HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1547
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. |
As Passed House:
March 6, 2013
Title: An act relating to an entity that provides drop-in educational or recreational programming for school-aged children.
Brief Description: Concerning entities that provide recreational or educational programming for school-aged children.
Sponsors: Representatives Walsh, Kagi, Freeman, Fey, Zeiger, Ryu, Morrell, Roberts, Moscoso and Santos.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Early Learning & Human Services: 2/15/13, 2/19/13 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/6/13, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & HUMAN SERVICES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Kagi, Chair; Freeman, Vice Chair; Walsh, Ranking Minority Member; Scott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Farrell, Goodman, MacEwen, Overstreet, Roberts, Sawyer and Zeiger.
Staff: Lindsay Lanham (786-7120).
Background:
The Department of Early Learning oversees licensing for child care and early learning programs. Licensing rules or standards are outlined in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Currently, licensing requirements specific to recreational or educational programs utilizing a drop-in model are not included in statute or agency rules.
Summary of Bill:
An entity is not an agency that requires licensure if the entity provides recreational or educational programming for school-age children and meets the following requirements:
the entity utilizes a drop-in model for programming, where children are able to attend during any or all program hours without a formal reservation;
the entity does not assume responsibility in lieu of the parent, unless for coordinated transportation;
the entity is a local affiliate of a national nonprofit; and
the entity is in compliance with all safety and quality standards set by the associated national agency.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill helps clarify in statute what already occurs in practice throughout the state. Clarification in statute has been much needed for licensures as well as for providers. Interpretation has varied widely across the state. One agency that offers drop-in recreational or educational programming currently has over 100 sites that are not licensed that serve thousands of children between the ages of 5 and 18. Drop-in recreational or educational programming is important for families who are not able to afford other child care programs. The programs offer an array of educational or recreational activities for youth that encourage skill-set and leadership development and can enhance social skills. Additionally, one drop-in recreational or educational program offers resume building and job shadowing for youth. Children are better off having the opportunity to participate in drop-in recreational or educational programming. In the interest of keeping that statute neat and tidy, it would be helpful to remove the provision referring to any agency having been in operation in this state 10 years before 1967.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Walsh, prime sponsor; Matt Watrous and Shellica Trevino, Boys and Girls Club of Washington State; Amy Blondin, Department of Early Learning; and Diana Comfort, Young Men's Christian Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.