The bill aims to achieve budget savings by amending existing laws related to early learning programs and child care assistance in Washington State. It modifies RCW 43.216.556 to remove the phased implementation timeline for the early learning program, which was originally set to achieve full implementation by the 2026-27 school year. Additionally, it amends RCW 43.216.802 to adjust eligibility criteria for the working connections child care program, specifically removing provisions that allowed families with incomes above 60% and up to 75% of the state median income to qualify starting July 1, 2025, and those with incomes up to 85% starting July 1, 2027. The bill also includes new provisions that require the department to adopt rules for an income phase-out eligibility period and prohibits considering the citizenship status of an applicant's child when determining eligibility for child care benefits.

Furthermore, the bill repeals several sections of existing law, including RCW 43.216.828 and RCW 74.08A.035, which pertained to child care subsidy rates and income eligibility related to child support. It also includes a declaration of emergency, indicating that the act is necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and establishes an effective date of July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline child care assistance programs while ensuring that budgetary constraints are met.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.216.556, 43.216.808, 43.185C.230