S-4396               _______________________________________________

                                                   SENATE BILL NO. 6757

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1990 Regular Session

By Senators Anderson, McDonald, Wojahn and Benitz

Read first time 1/24/90 and referred to Committee on  Economic Development & Labor.

AN ACT Relating to the regulation and licensing of day-care centers; adding a new section to chapter 74.15 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that as Washington's workforce changes, the demand for child care continues to exceed the supply.  Increasing the availability and affordability of quality child care will enhance the stability of the family and facilitate expanded economic prosperity in the state.

          Employer provided child care, which allows a parent to visit a child during the workday and to better coordinate care with his or her work schedule, can help meet this need and should be encouraged.  Conflicting or duplicative child care regulations unnecessarily diminish the desire and ability of employers to provide child care for their employees.  A uniform and reasonable licensing procedure will encourage employers to provide child care and will assure quality care throughout the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 74.15 RCW to read as follows:

          Licensure under this chapter shall be the only prerequisite to operating a day-care center in the state.  Centers licensed under this chapter shall not be subject to any other state or local licensing or zoning regulations.