Foster, child care licensing bill passes out of committee

The state House Children, Youth and Families Committee passed a bill that would benefit child care providers and children alike in an 11-0 vote during a virtual executive session Wednesday.

Senate Bill 5151 would modify foster care licensing by creating a child-specific license for relatives or a “suitable person” who wants to care for a child under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Children, Youth and Families, according to the bill’s text.

Under SB 5151, DCYF would be prohibited from charging child care licensing fees until June 30, 2023. The existing outdoor, nature-based child care program would also be made permanent.

Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, had an amendment that would remove a portion of the bill that makes the placement of a child with a person who has a child-specific license subject to the DCYF’s sole discretion. It was adopted to the bill.

Dent said during the virtual executive session he shared the same concerns with senators who had reservations with the sole discretion portion of the bill. The DCYF should not have a say when a child is being placed with a family member, he said.

“I think this is a good amendment that cleans (the bill) up and will, hopefully, put some of our senators at ease with the bill,” Dent said.

Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, voiced support for Dent’s amendment during the virtual executive session. Senn said his amendment may also reduce concern from family members who may be considering getting a child-specific license.

Rep. Alicia Rule, D-Blaine, said during the executive session SB 5151 is one of the ways the Legislature can support child care providers in the state. Waiving the licensing fees can give more access to providers who want to offer more services.

Senn said the child-specific license portion of SB 5151 would be voluntary for family members. The bill helps ensure kinship care providers obtain the resources they need in a timely manner.

Dent referred to a time he visited a preschool that offered an outdoor, nature-based child care program that he supported and will continue to support with the passage of SB 5151.

The Senate passed SB 5151 on Feb. 25 in a 29-18 vote.

As of Wednesday, the bill was not scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate or final passage.