Bill > HB2099

This bill expands access to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) for military families by allowing children to enroll even if their family income is above the standard eligibility threshold, provided they meet certain criteria. Specifically, it modifies existing law to permit enrollment for children whose families earn between 36% and 50% of the state median income if the child has other risk factors, or up to the maximum income for Working Connections Child Care eligibility if a parent is a military member. The bill also creates a new section that allows enrollment for children whose families earn above 50% of the state median income but still below the Working Connections Child Care maximum, if a parent is a military member, subject to available funding. The definition of "military member" is broadened to include active duty personnel, reservists, National Guard members, and commissioned officers in the NOAA and U.S. Public Health Service who are stationed in or residents of Washington state. The bill also introduces new prioritization criteria for military families, including deployment status and single custodial parent status, and clarifies that these children are not considered part of the state-funded entitlement. Some provisions of the bill will take effect on August 1, 2030, and one section expires on the same date.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2099&Year=2025&Initiative=false