WATCH: WA senator defends “R-Word” during floor debate following Governor’s directive

(The Center Square) – A Washington state lawmaker, who took a lot of heat after using the “R” word on the Senate floor to describe those with developmental disabilities, is feeling somewhat vindicated in the concerns he brought to light.

SHB 1390, signed by Governor Ferguson earlier this week repeals the Community Protection Program (CPP) and removes all related statutory references effective Jan. 1, 2027. The bill states the Developmental Disabilities Administration must develop and implement a plan to transition all CPP participants into other services or programs by Dec. 31, 2026, with the goal of providing less restrictive options.

There are reportedly about 400 developmentally disabled Washington adults in the CPP, who have committed acts of sexual violence, and are deemed likely to reoffend such that they are housed with restrictions on wh...