Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Human Services & Early Learning Committee |
HB 2456
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 Description: Concerning working connections child care eligibility.
Sponsors: Representatives Callan, Eslick, Ramos, Ryu, Shewmake, Chapman, Senn, Frame, Thai, Bergquist, Kilduff, Stonier, Tharinger, Davis, Macri, Pollet, Goodman, Wylie and Doglio; by request of Governor Inslee.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/17/20
Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).
Background:
The Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program provides child care subsidies for families with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline (FPG). Two hundred percent of the 2019 FPG is $42,660 for a household of three. The parent must be engaged in work or in approved work activities unless the family has received child welfare, child protective, or family assessment response services in the previous six months. A household's eligibility period for the WCCC program lasts for 12 months.
Families experiencing homelessness are allowed a four-month grace period to meet program requirements, including providing verification of participation in approved work activities.
The WCCC program is funded in part by the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The CCDF rules define homelessness in accordance with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act subchapter on Education for Homeless Children and Youths. This definition describes homeless individuals as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes sharing the housing of other persons in the definition for homeless children and youth.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is the designated lead agency for administration of the CCDF program and administers the WCCC program.
Summary of Bill:
The DCYF must extend the grace period for homeless families to meet WCCC program requirements from four months to 12 months.
"Homeless" is defined as without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as described in the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act subchapter on Education for Homeless Children and Youths.
Reorganizes statutory content.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 14, 2020.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.