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. To support this initiative, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 19.27 RCW, which mandates that when a child care center operates in a dedicated space within a multi-use building, the occupancy load must be calculated solely based on the areas designated for child care services.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 43.216.265 to include provisions that require the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, to calculate the occupancy load for child care centers in existing buildings in a similar manner. This change is intended to streamline the licensing process and encourage building owners to offer their spaces for child care, thereby addressing the growing demand for such services in the community.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.216.265
Substitute Bill: 43.216.265