WashingtonGovernment-run early learning programs are exempt from state licensing rules
Washington's early learning law exempts child care programs from its licensing rules when local, state, or federal government operates them.
What it does
Child care and early learning programs run by local, state, or federal government are exempt from Washington's early learning licensing rules. Who operates the program determines this exemption.
Argument forThe exemption could spare government-run early learning programs the work of applying for and maintaining a state child care license.
Argument againstFamilies may have less assurance from state licensing inspections that exempt government-run child care programs meet licensing standards.
More detail
The law excludes government-operated programs from its definition of a covered child care agency. It covers child care and early learning programs operated by local, state, or federal government. The exclusion applies to this early learning law, rather than providing an exemption from all state laws. The law took effect June 11, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 14Effective date 6/11/2026.Latest
- Mar 14Chapter 54, 2026 Laws.Major
- Mar 14Governor Bob Ferguson signed.Became Law
- Mar 6Delivered to Governor.To Governor
- Mar 6President signed.Passed Senate
- Mar 5Speaker signed.Passed House
- Mar 4Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#12). Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 4Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Feb 27Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.Minor
- Feb 25Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- Feb 24EDU - Majority; do pass.Minor
- Feb 24Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education at 8:00 AM.
- Feb 18Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education at 10:30 AM.
- Feb 13First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.Minor
- Feb 11Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.Minor
- Vote recorded Final Passage on Reconsideration (#18). Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#12). Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 11Vote on third reading will be reconsidered.
- Feb 11Returned to second reading for amendment.
- Feb 11Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.Minor
- Feb 11Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Feb 11Floor amendment(s) adopted.
- Feb 6Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.Minor
- Jan 27Referred to Rules 2 Review.Minor
- Jan 23ELHS - Majority; do pass.Minor
- Jan 23Executive action taken in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 8:00 AM.
- Jan 16Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 8:30 AM.
- Jan 12First reading, referred to Early Learning & Human Services.Minor
- Jan 7Prefiled for introduction.Introduced
Education