The Human Services, Youth & Early Learning Committee voted to report Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5291, which updates the Long Term Services and Supports Trust Program (WA Cares), out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation after adopting a technical amendment.

Lou Quickem, committee counsel, summarized the bill as making multiple updates to the WA Cares program including changes to exemptions, enforcement provisions, and a framework for a supplemental insurance option to cover costs after trust program benefits are exhausted. Vice Chair Cortez moved adoption of Amendment Harrington 7‑22 (offered by Representative Bergquist); the amendment made a technical change to remove redundant language and was adopted. The committee then moved to report the bill out with a due‑pass recommendation. The clerk announced the tally as 11 ayes, 0 nay.

Supporters said the bill contains targeted program improvements such as adjustments for active‑duty military family members and standards for supplemental long‑term care insurance policies. No amendments beyond Harrington 7‑22 were recorded in committee. Action: Vice Chair Cortez moved the motion to report Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5291 out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation. Vote on final motion: 11 yes, 0 no.