WashingtonHB 13142025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning the early learning facilities grant and loan program.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Easier facility funding for child care

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington uses tax-exempt bond proceeds for early learning facility grants instead of state matching funds. Grants cover planning, renovation, purchase, and construction; spending remains subject to state budget approval and spending controls. Commerce cannot require matching funds from applicants facing financial hardship, and match size cannot affect any applicant’s competitive score. Public or private matching funds are encouraged when feasible and can include cash, equipment, land, or buildings. Matching funds no longer must be committed before the state commits its funds.

Emergency repair grants for child care

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington can award ongoing emergency facility grants to eligible organizations from its early learning revolving account. Projects must address a natural disaster or an immediate health or safety threat caused by unforeseen circumstances. Awards depend on money specifically appropriated for emergency grants. Grants cannot duplicate insurance proceeds or payments from another source.

Facility funding supports longer preschool days

Beginning July 27, 2025, facility purchase, major construction, and renovation grants and loans can support longer state-funded preschool days. Eligible projects can convert part-day slots to full-day or extended-day slots, or full-day slots to extended-day slots. The committee setting funding priorities must consider these conversions and added preschool slots in areas with the highest unmet need. The law removes the ranking factor for maximizing other public or private resources, including state land or facilities. These priorities do not guarantee funding.

More schools can seek preschool funding

Beginning July 27, 2025, tribal compact schools expressly qualify for covered facility grants and loans, alongside school districts and eligible organizations. Applicants must actively participate in Early Achievers, the state’s early learning quality program, and remain in good standing. Construction, purchase, or renovation applicants need ownership or a long-term lease providing site control for at least 10 years. They must also commit to preschool or child care use for at least 10 years. Commerce may accept applications without a Treasury-certified community development finance partner when none is reasonably available nearby or the organization can proceed independently. The law also repeals the earlier statutory licensing-standards review and preapproval provision; it does not specify replacement procedures.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Lisa Callan
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Beth Doglio
Democratic • House
Carolyn Eslick
Republican • House
Greg Nance
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Kevin Waters
Republican • House
Lauren Davis
Democratic • House
Mary Fosse
Democratic • House
Osman Salahuddin
Democratic • House
Peter Abbarno
Republican • House
Steve Tharinger
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 146 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2025