The bill establishes new requirements for the siting of child care centers in Washington State. It mandates that cities and towns must permit child care centers and the conversion of existing buildings for this purpose in all zones, with the exception of industrial zones, light industrial zones, and open space zones. Cities are allowed to impose reasonable restrictions on permits, such as designating pickup and drop-off areas. Additionally, cities that are required to update their comprehensive plans under the growth management act must incorporate these requirements into their regulations during their next update, while other cities must comply within two years of the bill's effective date. The bill also clarifies that cities can allow child care centers in other zones and must provide conditional use approval for centers in industrial or light industrial zones, except near high hazard facilities.

A similar provision is included for code cities, which are also required to allow child care centers in most zones, with the same exceptions and conditions as regular cities. Code cities must adopt or amend their regulations to include these requirements during their next comprehensive plan update if they are due to submit one by 2027, while others must implement the requirements within two years. The definition of "child care centers" is aligned with existing law, ensuring consistency across the new regulations.