HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  SSB 5132

Title: An act relating to increasing public and parental access to information regarding child care service.

Brief Description:  Improving child care services.

Sponsors:Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl‑Welles, Long, Hargrove, Brown, Patterson, McAuliffe and Costa)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Meeting Date:February 24, 2000.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Deborah Frazier  (786-7152).

Background: There is no single point of contact for persons seeking information about day care providers.

Summary of Bill:  The striking amendment requires the department to establish a toll-free number and on-line site for persons seeking information about day care providers.  The department is instructed to:

$staff the telephone line during business hours;

$provide the capability for callers to leave messages during non-business hours; and,

$publish the number in printed and electronic media.

Callers may obtain the following information from the toll-free number and on-line site:

$whether the provider is licensed;

$whether the provider is in good standing regarding licensing requirements;

$instructions on how to report alleged abuse and neglect in a day care; and,

$instructions on how to report health, safety and welfare concerns in a day care

Appropriation:None.

Fiscal Note:Available.

Effective Date:Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.