This bill aims to expand access to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) for military families in Washington State. It amends existing laws to allow enrollment of children from military households who have a family income above 36 percent but at or below 50 percent of the state median income, provided they meet certain risk factors. Additionally, a new section is introduced that permits enrollment for children from military families with incomes above 50 percent of the state median income, again subject to specific criteria. The bill emphasizes prioritization for available slots based on various risk factors, including military deployment status and single custodial parent status.

The bill also clarifies the definition of "military member" to include active duty personnel, reserve components, and members of the National Guard, among others. It specifies that children enrolled under these new provisions are not considered eligible under the existing definitions in current law and are not part of the state-funded entitlement. The new provisions will take effect on August 1, 2030, and the section regarding military family enrollment will expire on the same date.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.216.512, 43.216.514
Substitute bill: 43.216.512, 43.216.514