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WashingtonHB 26892025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning the working connections child care program.

Sponsored By: Mia Gregerson (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Easier child care help for families

Beginning November 1, 2024, if your household is eligible for or gets SNAP or state food benefits, the state treats you as meeting the income rule for Working Connections Child Care. You do not need a separate income check. Beginning April 1, 2026, the agency cannot use a child’s citizenship when deciding eligibility. On that date, families who qualify under special state rules keep access without the standard income test. The agency also writes rules for an income phase‑out so help tapers as your earnings rise.

Daily‑pay rules for child care subsidies

By October 1, 2026, licensed centers that take subsidies can claim daily payments by attendance: 16+ days = full authorized days; 9–15 = full days or 15, whichever is fewer; 1–8 = full days or 11. Half‑day payments apply for part‑day care. These center rules end July 1, 2027. Beginning July 1, 2027, all licensed or certified providers can use the same daily‑claim rules. Beginning April 1, 2026, the old prospective payment statute is repealed.

Higher child care rates and new rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, base subsidy rates reach the 85th percentile of market, using the survey published before May 20, 2025. Beginning July 1, 2027, base rates must reach the 75th percentile for licensed or certified providers, and the state bargains the rollout with family child care providers. Starting July 1, 2026, every provider in the same rate region is paid the same base rate. Starting April 1, 2026, the agency uses a cost study to recommend rates that cover the full cost of quality care. From the survey published by June 1, 2028, a region’s survey counts only with at least a 40% response and higher than its prior even‑year rate; if a region ever hits 65%, it must keep at least 65%.

Study health insurance for child care providers

Beginning April 1, 2026, the agency studies ways to help licensed or certified child care providers get affordable health insurance. This is a study only and does not create new coverage or payments.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mia Gregerson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 137 • No: 105

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 33 • No: 16

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 51 • No: 45 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/4/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 53 • No: 44 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 264, 2026 Laws.

    4/1/2026House

  2. Governor signed.

    4/1/2026legislature

  3. Effective date 4/1/2026*.

    4/1/2026House

  4. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 51; nays, 45; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/11/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/11/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 33; nays, 16; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/11/2026House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/11/2026House

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

    3/11/2026House

  12. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/11/2026House

  13. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/11/2026House

  14. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/10/2026House

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    3/10/2026House

  16. WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/10/2026House

  17. First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

    3/6/2026House

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 53; nays, 44; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/4/2026House

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2026House

  20. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/4/2026House

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

    3/3/2026House

  22. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/2/2026House

  23. Minority; do not pass.

    3/2/2026House

  24. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/2/2026House

  25. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/2/2026House

Bill Text

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