Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

HB 2100

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Prohibits the Director of the Department of Early Learning (DEL) from adopting health and safety requirements for child care programs that serve school-age children and are operated in buildings that contain public or private schools that are more restrictive than those standards established by the Department of Health.

Exempts child care programs that serve school-age children and are operated in buildings that contain public or private schools from the prohibition on the use of window blinds with pull cords.

Background:

Health and Safety Regulations.

The Department of Early Learning (DEL) is responsible for establishing the minimum child care licensing requirements related to the safety of child care premises. Licensed child care providers must maintain the building, equipment, and premises in a safe manner to protect children from injury. The Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for establishing the minimum environmental standards for educational facilities. Before and after-school programs that serve school-age children in educational facilities must meet the licensing requirements established by the DEL.

Window Blind Pull Cords.

In 2007 the Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 1256 requiring the DEL to adopt licensing standards that prohibit the use of window blinds with cords capable of forming a loop and posing a risk of strangulation to young children in licensed child care facilities. Window blinds and other covering manufactured or properly retrofitted for safety are allowed.

Summary of Bill:

The Director of the DEL is prohibited from adopting health and safety requirements that impose more restrictive requirements for child care programs that serve school-age children and are operated in buildings that contain public or private schools than the standards established by the DOH. Additionally, child care programs that serve school-age children and are operated in buildings that contain public or private schools are exempt from the prohibition on the use of window blinds with pull cords or inner cords.