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WashingtonHB 23172025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning early learning program licensing requirements.

Sponsored By: Carolyn Eslick (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Clear hours for state preschool

The law sets clear time rules for state preschool options. Extended day programs give at least 10 hours a day, 2,000 hours a year, four days a week, and run year-round. Full day programs give at least 1,000 hours a year. Part day programs run at least 2.5 hours per class, 320 hours a year, for at least 30 weeks.

Family resource centers add advocates

Family resource centers are a single place to get information, assessments, referrals, or services. Centers must fit local cultures and follow state and federal laws. They must have family advocates who screen needs and, if asked, help families write plans and goals.

New rules for outdoor and drop-in care

The law recognizes outdoor, nature-based child care. Programs must teach a nature-focused curriculum and run outdoors for at least four hours a day or half the program day in a department-approved natural space. The law also excludes some drop-in, school-age programs from licensing when they do not take parental responsibility (except coordinated transportation), are local affiliates of a national nonprofit, and follow that nonprofit’s safety rules.

Definition for large early learning partnerships

The law defines nongovernmental private-public partnerships in early learning. To qualify, a Washington nonprofit must focus on early learning, school readiness, and parent support, and be able to raise at least $5,000,000 in contributions.

Rules for high-need providers and areas

The law sets clear thresholds to target support. A low-income child care provider is one where at least 80% of enrolled children get Working Connections Child Care. A low-income neighborhood is where more than 20% of households are below the federal poverty level.

Enforcement actions and penalties defined

The law defines enforcement actions for child care licensing. They include denying, suspending, revoking, modifying, or not renewing a license. They also include civil monetary penalties under state law. Providers know which actions count as formal enforcement.

Home daycares capped at 12 kids

Family home child care may serve no more than 12 children at one time in the provider’s home, unless a listed exception in state law applies. This sets a size limit for home daycares. It can support safety but may limit available slots.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Carolyn Eslick

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Adam Bernbaum

    Democratic • House

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Cindy Ryu

    Democratic • House

  • Dave Paul

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Nance

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Jeremie Dufault

    Republican • House

  • Lisa Callan

    Democratic • House

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • My-Linh Thai

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Peter Abbarno

    Republican • House

  • Steve Bergquist

    Democratic • House

  • Tom Dent

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 238 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/11/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 2/11/2026

Final Passage on Reconsideration

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/14/2026House

  2. Chapter 54, 2026 Laws.

    3/14/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/14/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/6/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/6/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/5/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/4/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/27/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House

  11. EDU - Majority; do pass.

    2/24/2026House

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

    2/13/2026House

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

    2/11/2026House

  14. Vote on third reading will be reconsidered.

    2/11/2026House

  15. Returned to second reading for amendment.

    2/11/2026House

  16. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/11/2026House

  17. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/11/2026House

  18. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/11/2026House

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

    2/6/2026House

  20. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/27/2026House

  21. ELHS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/23/2026House

  22. ELHS - Majority; do pass.

    1/23/2026House

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

    1/12/2026House

  24. Prefiled for introduction.

    1/7/2026House

Bill Text

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