The proposed bill aims to establish a Children's Social Equity Land Trust in Washington State, which will focus on addressing the critical shortage of affordable child care, particularly in underserved communities known as child care deserts. The legislation recognizes the economic impact of inadequate child care access on working parents, especially mothers, and seeks to leverage sustainably managed forest lands to generate revenue for child care programs. The Department of Natural Resources will be responsible for acquiring forested lands suitable for revenue production, with the revenue generated from these lands directed towards child care grants for families in need.

Key provisions of the bill include the creation of a Child Care Trust Account, where revenue from the management and sale of the acquired lands will be deposited and used exclusively for child care grants. The bill also outlines the establishment of a grant program by the Department of Commerce to support the retention and expansion of child care services in overburdened communities. Additionally, the bill amends existing definitions in the law to include terms such as "child care desert" and "overburdened communities," ensuring that the legislation is aligned with current needs and challenges in the child care sector.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 79.02.010