Bill > HB1919

This bill modifies access to the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program by expanding eligibility and adjusting implementation dates. The bill creates a new pathway for employees of small businesses (defined as businesses with 50 or fewer employees) to qualify for child care benefits. Families can now access these benefits if their annual income is up to 75 percent of the state median income, with a plan to potentially increase this to 85 percent in July 2031, contingent on appropriate funding. Eligibility applies to children under 13 years old or up to 19 years old with special needs or under court supervision. The bill delays previous implementation dates for income-based eligibility expansions, moving from 2025 and 2027 to 2029 and 2031 respectively. Additionally, the bill maintains existing requirements that households meet other program eligibility criteria, and requires the department to develop a copayment model aligned with existing income-level guidelines. The legislation aims to increase working families' access to affordable child care and support workforce development, with an emergency clause making the act effective July 1, 2025, to immediately support families and businesses.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1919&Year=2025&Initiative=false