FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 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. |
C 279 L 20
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning working connections child care eligibility.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by 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).
House Committee on Human Services & Early Learning
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
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 initial 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 work or approved work activities.
The WCCC program is funded in part by the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The CCDF regulations define homelessness in accordance with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act subchapter on Education for Homeless Children and Youths (McKinney-Vento Act). 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 that is specific to homeless children and youth.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is the designated lead agency for administration of the CCDF and administers the WCCC program.
Summary:
The DCYF must extend the grace period for homeless families to meet WCCC program requirements from four months to 12 months.
The term "homeless" is defined as without a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as described in the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
Statutory content is reorganized.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 60 | 37 | |
Senate | 46 | 3 | (Senate amended) |
House Senate | 28 | 21 | (House refused to concur) (Senate receded) |
Effective: | July 1, 2020 |