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WashingtonHB 23172025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning early learning program licensing requirements.

Sponsored By: Carolyn Eslick (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

School-based early learning gains a licensing exemption

Beginning June 11, 2026, qualifying school-day early learning programs are exempt from Washington's child care licensing chapter. This covers the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program and Head Start. Programs must be in public school or community or technical college buildings, or on those institutions' grounds. The exemption removes licensing obligations and oversight under this chapter. It does not change family eligibility or create household payments.

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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