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WashingtonHB 22192025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Enhancing the operational efficiency of child care providers.

Sponsored By: Lillian Ortiz-Self (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

One set of child care safety rules

The department uses one set of licensing rules for child care and the state preschool program (ECEAP). The rules set minimum health and safety standards and rely on the Early Achievers quality framework. All licensed spaces must be free of high‑potency synthetic opioids, drug manufacturing gear, and drug paraphernalia. If those drugs or items are present, the department issues an immediate summary suspension. The law defines these drug terms and 'imminent physical harm' and does not create a private right to sue.

More flexible mixed-age time in centers

Child care centers can mix ages for part of the day. They may mix for up to 2.5 hours on a schedule the center sets. They may mix up to 4 hours if at least 90 minutes are staff meal and rest breaks. During mixed time, the ratio and group size for the youngest child must be met.

No repeat orientation for current staff

The department waives its preservice orientation for people who already completed it. It has been less than five years since completion. The content and licensing process have not changed in a big way. The person has no break in service as a licensed provider or as staff in a licensed facility. This saves time for current child care workers and owners.

Private preschool rules and program freedom

Private schools that run preschool without state subsidies must meet basic health and safety rules. They must also provide enough early learning to prepare children for elementary school. The state cannot dictate specific curricula or programs for these unsubsidized preschools. If a program takes state subsidy, state conditions can still apply.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lillian Ortiz-Self

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Adam Bernbaum

    Democratic • House

  • Carolyn Eslick

    Republican • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Julio Cortes

    Democratic • House

  • Kristine Reeves

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Callan

    Democratic • House

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Jurado Stonier

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Osman Salahuddin

    Democratic • House

  • Roger Goodman

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Tomiko Santos

    Democratic • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

  • Steve Bergquist

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 211 • No: 29

House vote • 3/9/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 67 • No: 28 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 2/16/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 95 • No: 1 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/17/2026House

  2. Chapter 82, 2026 Laws.

    3/17/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/17/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 67; nays, 28; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/9/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/9/2026House

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

    3/3/2026House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/3/2026House

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

    3/3/2026House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/27/2026House

  13. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House

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

    2/25/2026House

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

    2/18/2026House

  16. Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    2/16/2026House

  17. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/16/2026House

  18. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/16/2026House

  19. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/16/2026House

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

    2/6/2026House

  21. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/27/2026House

  22. ELHS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/23/2026House

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

    1/23/2026House

  24. First reading, referred to Early Learning & Human Services.

    1/12/2026House

  25. Prefiled for introduction.

    12/30/2025House

Bill Text

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