SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6441

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 of January 26, 2018

Title: An act relating to transferring all aspects of working connections child care and seasonal child care service delivery to the department of children, youth, and families, based on the recommendations required to be reported to the legislature pursuant to section 103, chapter 6, Laws of 2017 3rd sp. sess.

Brief Description: Transferring the working connections and seasonal child care programs to the department of children, youth, and families.

Sponsors: Senators Billig, Wellman, Zeiger, Keiser, Saldaña and Walsh.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/23/18.

Brief Summary of Bill

Transfers all powers, duties, and functions of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) pertaining to Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) and Seasonal Child Care to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) on July 1, 2019.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Ailey Kato (786-7434)

Background: Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). In 2017, the Legislature passed 2E2SHB 1661, which created DCYF. On July 1, 2018, child welfare programs from the Children's Administration within DSHS and early learning programs from the Department of Early Learning (DEL) will move to DCYF. DEL's programs include WCCC and Seasonal Child Care.

Currently, DEL sets childcare subsidy policy for WCCC and Seasonal Child Care, and the Economic Services Administration within DSHS administers these programs. 2E2SHB 1661 required DCYF to submit a report by December 1, 2017, on how to incorporate the staff responsible for determining eligibility for WCCC into DCYF. The report had to outline a plan for transferring child care eligibility staff, the treatment of shared client data, information technology systems, phone systems, staff training, federal cost allocation, and service delivery. This report had to include recommendations for effectively integrating WCCC eligibility into DCYF by July 1, 2019.

Working Connections Child Care (WCCC). This federally and state-funded program offers subsidies to childcare providers serving families with an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level—$49,200 for a family of four. The state pays part of the cost of childcare when a parent is employed, self-employed, or meets the requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or WorkFirst programs. The family is responsible for making a copayment to the child care provider based on the family's countable income.

Seasonal Child Care. This federally and state-funded program pays child care subsidies to eligible seasonally employed agricultural families. Families qualify for seasonal child care when they live in Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Okanagon, Skagit, Walla Walla, Whatcom, or Yakima counties; are employed in agricultural work; have an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level; and meet other eligibility requirements. The family is responsible for making a copayment to the child care provider based on the family's countable income.

Summary of Bill: All powers, duties, and functions of DSHS pertaining to WCCC and Seasonal Child Care are transferred to DCYF on July 1, 2019. The stated intent is to follow the recommendations of the report required by 2E2SHB 1661. References to DSHS are changed to DCYF.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2018.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2019.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is a continuation of a long-term effort to increase efficiency and effectiveness by having one agency manage this important program. WCCC has morphed from a welfare legacy program to a cornerstone of the state's investment in stability for families. The focus of this program has shifted from adults to providing stable, high-quality environments for children. The WCCC and Seasonal Child Care transfer will result in some infrastructure costs such as telephone systems. The bill language should be tightened so that only the systems and equipment that are solely used by the child care subsidy programs are transferred to DCYF. The bill should also be clear that DSHS will continue to manage TANF funding, which currently helps subsidize these child care programs.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Andy Billig, Prime Sponsor; Frank Ordway, Department of Early Learning; David Stillman, Assistant Secretary, DSHS Economic Services.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.