FINAL BILL REPORT

E2SHB 1776

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.

C 359 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Regarding licensing requirements for child care centers located in publicly owned or operated buildings.

Sponsors: House Committee on Education Appropriations & Oversight (originally sponsored by Representatives Frockt, Eddy, Dickerson, Carlyle, Maxwell, Fitzgibbon, Roberts, Pedersen, Hudgins, Ryu, Kenney and Stanford).

House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services

House Committee on Education Appropriations & Oversight

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Background:

The Department of Early (DEL) regulates child care in Washington. The DEL licenses three categories of child care providers: family homes, child care centers, and school-age centers. Separate sets of licensing rules are used to regulate each type of provider. Some features related to each provider type include:

The DEL's licensing rules operate in accordance with accepted fire and building code standards that apply to any given facility type. These codes may vary by geographic location and are determined by various jurisdictions. The DEL has a process in place to waive some licensing requirements in some cases.

School boards are authorized to establish and maintain preschools and to provide before- and after-school care and vacation care in connection with schools in their districts. School boards may establish regulations governing preschools and before- and after-school care.

Summary:

The DEL is required to use an interagency process to address health and safety requirements for child care programs for school-age children operated in buildings that contain public or private schools that safely serve children during times that school is in session. The DEL is required to consult with the State Fire Marshal as part of the interagency process.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

62

35

Senate

49

0

(Senate amended)

House

71

25

(House concurred)

Effective:

July 22, 2011