Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Human Services & Early Learning Committee |
HB 1142
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: Requiring an assessment of Washington's child care industry.
Sponsors: Representatives Reeves, Gregerson and Stanford.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/30/19
Staff: Alyssa Patrick (786-7296).
Background:
Department of Commerce and Child Care.
The Department of Commerce (Department) is tasked with promoting community and economic development through activities such as assessing economic trends and increasing economic opportunity. In 2018 for example, the Department was directed to convene the Child Care Collaborative Task Force (CCTF). The CCTF is examining the effects of child care affordability and accessibility on the workforce and in business. The task force must report recommendations regarding incentivizing employer-supported child care and improving child care access and affordability by November 1, 2019.
Employer-supported child care can be a licensed child care center for employees operated at or near the workplace, or financial assistance provided by an employer for employees' licensed child care expenses.
Contracting for Goods and Services.
Contracting with a third-party entity must be based on a competitive solicitation process. The Department has the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the state.
Summary of Bill:
The Department will solicit a third-party entity to conduct a regional assessment of the child care industry. The goal of the assessment is to better understand issues affecting child care access and affordability for families. The assessment must be submitted to the Governor, the Legislature, and the CCTF by July 1, 2020. The assessment must:
incorporate current data on the number of children age 12 and under who are receiving care from child care and early learning providers;
define and describe the characteristics of the informal child care market;
identify family child care choices by family income bracket;
include a visual representation of child care supply and demand by region that identifies areas of highest need;
identify trends in the relationship between private pay rates and subsidy rates for child care providers; and
include an analysis of the industry's measurable contribution to the state's economy.
This section expires December 31, 2020.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.