Bill > HB1593

This bill creates the children's social equity land trust, a novel approach to addressing child care challenges in Washington state. The legislation recognizes that lack of affordable child care negatively impacts economic growth, workforce participation, and perpetuates cycles of poverty, particularly for working mothers and families in underserved communities. The bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to acquire forested lands at risk of conversion to non-forest uses, specifically to generate revenue for child care grants. These lands will be managed sustainably to support carbon sequestration while providing a financial stream to support child care programs. The Department of Commerce will establish a grant program to retain and expand child care in "child care deserts" and overburdened communities, with priority given to supporting new child care providers, helping existing providers avoid closure, and addressing racial equity. The bill creates a child care trust account where 70% of revenue generated from these lands will be deposited, and establishes specific criteria for grant allocation, such as supporting personnel costs, rent/mortgage payments, tuition waivers, and mental health supports for children and employees. By connecting forest management with child care funding, the bill aims to create a sustainable, long-term solution to child care access and affordability in Washington.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1593&Year=2025&Initiative=false