Bill > HB1489

This bill adjusts implementation dates for early childhood education and child care programs, extending several key timelines. Specifically, the bill modifies the definition of "family with financial need" to delay the increase of income eligibility from 36% to 50% of state median income until the 2034-35 school year (instead of the previously planned 2030-31 school year). For the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, the bill pushes back full statewide implementation from the 2026-27 to the 2030-31 school year. The Working Connections Child Care program's income eligibility expansion is also delayed, with eligibility for families between 60-75% of state median income now set to begin in July 2029 (previously 2025), and eligibility for families between 75-85% of state median income now set to begin in July 2031 (previously 2027). These changes appear designed to provide more time for program development and implementation, potentially addressing challenges in rolling out these expanded early childhood education and child care initiatives. The bill includes an emergency clause and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring immediate implementation of these revised timelines.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1489&Year=2025&Initiative=false