This bill aims to improve access to food assistance and child care programs for eligible families in Washington State by amending various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). It raises the income eligibility threshold for the Working Connections Child Care program, allowing families with incomes up to 75% of the state median income to qualify by 2027. Additionally, it mandates the Department to assess household income eligibility for families receiving basic food benefits starting November 1, 2024, and establishes a copayment schedule based on income levels. The bill also modifies definitions and eligibility criteria for early childhood education programs, increasing the income threshold for "eligible children" from 36% to 50% of the state median income and allowing children from families receiving basic food benefits to qualify.

Furthermore, the legislation outlines the implementation of a birth-to-three early childhood education program with specific eligibility requirements tied to family income and food assistance status. It includes provisions regarding effective dates and expiration of certain sections, with Section 2 effective on August 1, 2030, and Sections 4 and 6 effective on July 1, 2026, while Sections 3 and 5 will expire on July 1, 2026. The bill has successfully passed through the legislative process, receiving approval from both the House and Senate in early 2024 and being signed by the Governor on March 25, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.216.1368, 43.216.145, 43.216.578
Substitute Bill: 43.216.1368, 43.216.512, 43.216.556, 43.216.578
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.216.1368, 43.216.512, 43.216.556, 43.216.578
Session Law: 43.216.1368, 43.216.512, 43.216.556, 43.216.578