Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Early Learning & Human Services Committee |
HB 2367
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Establishing a child care collaborative task force.
Sponsors: Representatives Reeves, Slatter, Tharinger, Robinson, Kagi, Dolan, Kilduff, Chapman, Doglio, Riccelli and Stonier.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/9/18
Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).
Background:
Background
The Department of Commerce (COM) administers a variety of programs designed to enhance community and economic development. For example, the COM administers the Early Learning Facilities Revolving Account and is authorized to make grants and loans to school districts and other eligible organizations for early learning facilities. In addition, the COM provides staff support to a number of boards and councils including the Affordable Housing Advisory Board, the Public Works Board, and the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Board.
Summary of Bill:
Summary
The Department of Commerce (COM) must convene, facilitate, and staff a Child Care Collaborative Task Force (CCTF) to examine the effects of child care affordability and accessibility on the workforce and on businesses. The first meeting of the CCTF must occur by September 1, 2018. The CCTF expires on December 30, 2019.
The CCTF must develop policies and recommendations to incentivize employer-supported child care and improve child care access and affordability for employees. Employer-supported child care is defined as a licensed child care center operated at or near the workplace by an employer for the benefit of employees or financial assistance provided by an employer for an employee's licensed child care expenses.
The CCTF must report recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by November 1, 2019. The report must include findings related to:
options for the state to incentivize the provision of employer-supported and back-up child care by public and private employers;
opportunities for streamlining permitting and licensing requirements for the development and construction of child care facilities;
potential tax incentives for private businesses providing employer-supported child care;
a model policy for the establishment of a "Bring Your Infant to Work" program for public and private sector employees; and
policy recommendations that address racial, ethnic, and geographic disparity and disproportionality in service delivery and accessibility for families.
The 31 voting members of the CCTF consist of: representatives of private business; the child care industry; advocacy organizations; a subject matter expert familiar with public transit accessibility needs of parents; a nonprofit organization providing training and professional development for family day care providers and family, friend, and neighbor child care providers; an organization representing the interests of licensed child day care centers; a private philanthropic organization; two members of the House of Representatives consisting of one member from each of the two largest caucuses; two members of the Senate consisting of one member from each of the two largest caucuses; and one representative each from the COM, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families; the Employment Security Department; the Department of Revenue; the Department of Social and Health Services; the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs; and The Office of the Governor. Members of the CCTF must be reimbursed for travel expenses.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.