SENATE BILL REPORT
2SHB 1525
As of March 13, 2023
Title: An act relating to eligibility for working connections child care benefits for persons participating in state registered apprenticeships.
Brief Description: Concerning eligibility for working connections child care benefits for persons participating in state registered apprenticeships.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Fosse, Lekanoff, Farivar, Shavers, Thai, Taylor, Hansen, Alvarado, Senn, Hackney, Wylie, Duerr, Leavitt, Berg, Stearns, Peterson, Macri, Berry, Cortes, Low, Schmidt, Stonier, Kloba, Robertson, Gregerson, Riccelli, Doglio, Waters, Cheney, Orwall, Connors, Ybarra, Bronoske, Dent, Morgan, Ramel, Donaghy, Goodman, Ryu, Fey, Reed, Davis, Timmons, Street, Simmons, Fitzgibbon, Christian, Santos, Rule, Abbarno, Sandlin, Chopp, Bateman, Rude, Eslick, Ormsby, Reeves, Barkis, Graham, Pollet, Ortiz-Self, Callan and Bergquist).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/1/23, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/13/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Expands Working Connections Child Care eligibility to include the first 12 months of an applicant or consumer's enrollment in a state registered apprenticeship program when their household incomes do not exceed certain amounts.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Staff: Ailey Kato (786-7434)
Background:

Working Connections Child Care.  The Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program is a federally and state-funded program that provides child care subsidies to families, and is administered by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).  Families are eligible for child care subsidies if they have a household income at or below 60 percent of the state median income (SMI), have one or more children younger than 13 or younger than 19 with a verified special need or are under court supervision, and meet all other program eligibility requirements.  As of October 1, 2022, 60 percent of the state median income is $4,274 maximum monthly income for a family of three.

 

In 2021, WCCC eligibility was expanded by phasing in higher income thresholds.  Beginning July 1, 2025, families are eligible for child care subsidies if they have a household income at or below 75 percent of SMI and meet other requirements.  Beginning July 1, 2027 and subject to appropriations, families are eligible if they have a household income at or below 85 percent of SMI and meet other requirements.
 

The state pays part of the cost of child care when the parent is working or participating in certain activities.  Depending on income, families may be required to make a copayment to the child care provider.  Copayments are established in state law and are phased in.

 

Authorizations for WCCC subsidies are effective for 12 months. 
 
Registered Apprenticeships.  An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction under the supervision of a journey-level professional.  After completing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a professional credential that is recognized nationwide.
Summary of Bill:

An applicant or consumer is eligible to receive WCCC benefits for the care of one or more eligible children for the first 12 months of enrollment in a state registered apprenticeship program regardless of other eligibility requirements when the applicant or consumer has a household income that:

  • beginning July 1, 2023, does not exceed 75 percent of SMI at the time of application; and
  • beginning July 1, 2025, does not exceed 85 percent of SMI at the time of application.

 

DCYF must adopt a copayment model for benefits to consumers with household incomes above 60 percent of SMI and at or below 85 percent of SMI, which must align with any identified or adopted copayment under current law.
Appropriation: The bill contains a null and void clause requiring specific funding be provided in an omnibus appropriation act.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.