Bill > HB1873

This bill increases access to the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program for graduate and professional students by establishing new eligibility criteria. Specifically, graduate and professional students enrolled full-time at an institution of higher education can now qualify for child care assistance if their household income is at or below 85% of the state median income, their child is under 13 years old (or under 19 with a verified special need), and they meet other existing program requirements. The bill uniquely allows two-parent households to receive benefits without considering the availability of the other parent, and mandates that the department waive copayments to the extent possible under federal law, with a maximum copayment of $15. The legislation modifies existing laws to include graduate and professional students as a specific category of eligible participants in the WCCC program, expanding workforce support and access to affordable child care for students pursuing advanced degrees. This change aims to help graduate students balance their educational commitments with parenting responsibilities by providing financial assistance for child care services.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1873&Year=2025&Initiative=false