The bill aims to enhance child care services by facilitating the use of existing buildings, particularly churches, for child care centers. It recognizes the need for more child care options for working families and emphasizes the public benefit of utilizing existing structures instead of constructing new ones. The legislation clarifies existing statutes to encourage building owners to offer their spaces for child care services.

To support this initiative, the bill introduces a new requirement for building officials to calculate the occupancy load of child care centers based solely on the areas designated for child care within multi-use buildings. This provision is included in a new section added to chapter 19.27 RCW and is also reflected in the amendments to RCW 43.216.265, which outlines the responsibilities of the Washington state patrol's chief regarding fire safety and licensing standards for child care agencies. The changes aim to streamline the process for establishing child care services in existing buildings, thereby increasing accessibility for families in need.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.216.265