FINAL BILL REPORT

ESSB 6540

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.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Wilson, C., Wellman, Dhingra, Hasegawa, Kuderer and Saldaña).

Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Human Services & Early Learning

House Committee on Appropriations

Background: Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) is a federally and state-funded program providing child care subsidies to families with an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level—$43,440 for a family of three. The state pays part of the cost of child care when a parent is employed, self-employed, or in approved activities, except in certain circumstances. The family is responsible for making a copayment to the child care provider based on the family's countable income.

Authorizations for WCCC subsidies are effective for 12 months. Under rule, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) begins the 12-month period when the parent has completed the required WCCC application and verification process and is working or participating in an approved activity.

Summary: A household's 12-month authorization period begins on the date childcare is expected to begin. "Authorization" is defined as a transaction created by DCYF to allow a child care provider to claim payment for care.

Existing statutory language is moved into a new section.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	0
House	97	0