This bill aims to enhance access to affordable, high-quality child care for working families in Washington State by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. It establishes eligibility criteria for the Working Connections Child Care program, allowing families with an annual income at or below 60% of the state median income to qualify. Notably, the bill removes previous provisions that allowed families with incomes above 60% and up to 75% or 85% of the state median income to be eligible for the program, thereby tightening eligibility requirements. Additionally, it mandates that the department adopt rules for an income phase-out eligibility period and prohibits the consideration of a child's citizenship status in determining eligibility.

The bill also addresses child care subsidy rates, requiring them to align with market rates over time, with specific benchmarks set for July 2026 and July 2027. It introduces new rules for subsidy payments to licensed or certified child care providers, allowing them to claim payments based on the number of days a child attends care. Furthermore, it repeals existing provisions related to prospective payments and establishes that child care providers must receive consistent subsidy rates within their respective regions. The act is set to take effect immediately, with certain sections expiring by July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.216.802, 43.216.828, 43.216.827
Substitute bill: 43.216.802, 43.216.808, 43.216.827
Bill as passed Legislature: 43.216.802, 43.216.808, 43.216.827