The bill aims to authorize payment for parental caregivers of minor children with developmental disabilities in Washington State. It recognizes the challenges faced by families in securing adequate care for their children, particularly due to a shortage of trained caregivers and the unique needs of these children. The legislation emphasizes the importance of stable and familiar caregivers, highlighting that many families often have to forgo income opportunities to provide necessary care. It also notes that long-term in-home care services are more cost-effective than institutional care, and that other states have successfully implemented paid family caregiving, leading to better outcomes for children and reduced costs for taxpayers.

To facilitate this, the bill mandates that by January 31, 2026, the administration must request amendments to home and community-based services waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, allowing parents to be compensated for providing extraordinary care to their minor children. If approved, the administration will authorize payments and establish rules for assessing personal care hours for these caregivers. The bill defines "extraordinary care" and outlines the criteria for parental caregivers, ensuring they meet the same training and oversight requirements as other individual providers. It also clarifies that the availability of personal care services for non-minor clients remains unaffected.