The bill aims to eliminate child care licensing fees in Washington State by amending existing laws. Specifically, it states that the secretary may not charge fees to licensees for obtaining a child care license, removing previous provisions that allowed for fee waivers based on public health and safety considerations or financial disadvantages to the state. The bill also deletes the requirement for fees to be based on the cost of licensure and inspection, as well as the secretary's authority to establish these fees by rule.

Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for maintaining a nonexpiring full license. It removes the obligation for licensees to submit an annual licensing fee and instead requires them to submit a declaration of intent to continue operating, a declaration of compliance with licensing rules, and background check applications for current employees. These changes aim to streamline the licensing process while ensuring that child care agencies remain compliant with safety and operational standards.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.216.300, 43.216.305