SENATE 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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Human Services & Corrections, March 28, 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: Passed House: 3/06/13, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 3/26/13, 3/28/13 [DPA].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Pearson, Vice Chair; Darneille, Ranking Member; Baumgartner, Hargrove, Harper and Padden.
Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)
Background: The Department of Early Learning (DEL) oversees licensing for child care and early learning programs. An agency that must be licensed by DEL is defined as any person, entity, or facility that provides child care and early learning services outside a child's own home. The law describes various types of service providers that fall within the definition of agency and also lists several exclusions for which child care licensing is not required. Recreational or educational programs utilizing a drop-in model do not clearly fall within the statutory inclusions or exclusions for child care licensing. However, these entities have not historically been required by DEL to obtain a child care license.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): 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, except 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.
Language is removed that exempts from child care licensing any agency in operation in the state ten years prior to June 8, 1967 that does not seek or accept moneys or assistance from any state or federal agency and is supported in part by an endowment or trust fund.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): Obsolete language referring to an exemption for an agency in operation for ten years prior to June 8, 1967 is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on House Bill: PRO: This is a good little bill that clarifies those entities that do not need to be licensed. Many kids are successful because of the ability to utilize drop-in care. This care is available for parents who would not otherwise be able to afford child care. We believe this is a successful model and appreciate this clarification to the law. DEL supports the bill and clarification. The agency would appreciate further amendment to remove obsolete language.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Walsh, prime sponsor; Joe Ingoglia, Boys and Girls Clubs of Thurston County; Amy Blondin, DEL.