Bill > SB5297

This bill modifies the early learning facilities grant and loan program, administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, to provide more flexible funding and support for early learning facilities. The bill creates two state treasury accounts: the Ruth LeCocq Kagi early learning facilities revolving account and the Ruth LeCocq Kagi early learning facilities development account. These accounts can now be used to provide matching funds for planning, renovating, purchasing, and constructing early learning facilities, as well as offering emergency grants to eligible organizations. The bill expands eligible organizations to include tribal compact schools and removes strict requirements for matching funds, recognizing that some applicants may experience financial hardship. The legislation also introduces a more inclusive approach to prioritizing projects, focusing on areas with high unmet need for early childhood education, supporting low-income children and neighborhoods, and encouraging the expansion of full-day and extended-day early learning slots. Additionally, the bill allows the department to adopt rules for implementing the program and creates a committee of early learning facilities experts to advise on project prioritization methodology.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5297&Year=2025&Initiative=false