wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > HB 1489 > Original Bill
Funding for the program of early learning established under this chapter must be appropriated to the department. The department shall distribute funding to approved early childhood education and assistance program contractors on the basis of eligible children enrolled.
The program shall be implemented in phases, so that full implementation is achieved in the 2030-31 school year.
Funding shall continue to be phased in each year until full statewide implementation of the early learning program is achieved in the 2030-31 school year, at which time any eligible child is entitled to be enrolled in the program. Entitlement under this section is voluntary enrollment.
School districts and approved community‑based early learning providers may contract with the department to provide services under the program. The department shall collaborate with school districts, community‑based providers, and educational service districts to promote an adequate supply of approved providers.
(1) It is the intent of the legislature to increase working families' access to affordable, high quality child care and to support the expansion of the workforce to support businesses and the statewide economy.
An applicant or consumer is eligible to receive working connections child care benefits for the care of one or more eligible children for the first 12 months of the applicant's or consumer's enrollment in a state registered apprenticeship program under chapter 49.04 RCW when:
The applicant or consumer's household annual income adjusted for family size does not exceed 75 percent of the state median income at the time of application, or, beginning July 1, 2032, does not exceed 85 percent of the state median income if funds are appropriated for the purpose of RCW 43.216.802(4);
The child receiving care is: (i) Less than 13 years of age; or (ii) less than 19 years of age and either has a verified special need according to department rule or is under court supervision; and
The household meets all other program eligibility requirements established in this chapter or in rule by the department in accordance with RCW 43.216.055, 43.216.065, and 43.216.800.
The department must adopt a copayment model for benefits granted under this section, which must align with any copayment identified or adopted for households with the same income level under RCW 43.216.804.
This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2025.