SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6067

BYSenators Anderson, Smith and Bailey

Relating to child care.

Senate Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6067 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Smith, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Bailey.

Senate Staff:Carol Pedigo (786-7417)

                  March 2, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES, MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

During the last few years there has been growing awareness of the lack of affordable and convenient licensed child care facilities.  There have been new programs developed to deal with this issue, but proponents of this bill believe there are still impediments to development of a truly useful program which involves businesses.

The Legislature has received numerous reports about the delays and expense involved in obtaining zoning permits for day care facilities in areas where zoning for business does not already exist.

SUMMARY:

Senate Bill 6067 was introduced by title only.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Office of the Child Care Resources Coordinator in the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to work with the DSHS Child Care Coordinating Committee to seek public and private money and grants for the existing day care resource and referral network.  They are also to work with the Department of Community Development and the Business Assistance Center to provide information to businesses on the child care needs of their employees.  Funds are provided to fund start up operating grants for local resource and referral systems.

Each governmental body which has not already developed family day care, mini day care center, and day care center zoning regulations shall review the need and demand for day care facilities and report to the Child Care Partnership and Child Care Coordinating Committee by December 31, 1990.

The Department of Community Development (DCD) is to report on the results of the local reviews by January 31, 1991 and is to develop a model ordinance for the siting of child care facilities by June 1, 1990.

Appropriation:    $54,500 from the general fund

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one