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WashingtonHB 13512025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Adjusting age requirements for accessing the early childhood education and assistance program.

Sponsored By: Adam Bernbaum (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

ECEAP age and income rules

Beginning July 1, 2025, an eligible child is at least 3 by August 31 and not yet kindergarten‑age. Children can qualify if the family has financial need, the child is homeless, in special education, was in Early Head Start, or is American Indian at or below 100% of state median income. The department may also cover up to 10% of slots using its rules. Through the 2029–30 school year, “financial need” means income at or below 36% of state median income; starting in 2030–31, the cutoff is 50%. Starting August 1, 2030, children in households eligible for or getting SNAP (basic food) or state food help also qualify.

Space-available ECEAP for three-year-olds

The department lets three‑year‑olds who are not otherwise eligible enroll when space is open. A family qualifies if income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or the child has a risk factor and got early services. Another path allows enrollment at or below 50% of state median income, but only if the legislature provides money for it. A child who turns three after August 31 may also enroll when space is open. These children do not count toward the state‑funded ECEAP entitlement.

Some ECEAP rules end in 2030

On August 1, 2030, Section 2 of this law ends. The definitions and eligibility rules in that section stop on that date. Families who qualified only under those rules may lose access after that date.

Extra ECEAP slots for higher-income families

The department can fill up to 25% of statewide slots with children above the usual income limits when space is open. It may enroll families at 110%–130% of the federal poverty level, and 130%–200% if the child has risk factors. Starting November 1, 2024, children in basic food assistance units can also enroll under this space‑available track. Applicants are ranked by risk, including homelessness, developmental delay, limited English, and parental incarceration. These temporary rules end July 1, 2025 if SB 5752 is enacted by then, or July 1, 2026 if not.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Adam Bernbaum

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Carolyn Eslick

    Republican • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Julio Cortes

    Democratic • House

  • Larry Springer

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Osman Salahuddin

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

  • Victoria Hunt

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 242 • No: 0

House vote • 4/22/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/8/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/1/2025*.

    5/13/2025House

  2. Chapter 253, 2025 Laws.

    5/13/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/13/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/25/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/23/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/22/2025House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    4/22/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/8/2025House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/8/2025House

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    4/8/2025House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/4/2025House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/28/2025House

  14. EDU - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/27/2025House

  15. First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

    3/6/2025House

  16. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/4/2025House

  17. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2025House

  18. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/4/2025House

  19. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/28/2025House

  20. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/21/2025House

  21. APP - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by Early Learning & Human Services.

    2/20/2025House

  22. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/20/2025House

  23. Referred to Appropriations.

    2/4/2025House

  24. ELHS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/31/2025House

  25. ELHS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/31/2025House

Bill Text

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