WA HB1351

Children must be at least three years old by August 31st of the school year to be eligible for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), changing from the previous "three to five-year old" language

"Family with financial need" is defined as income at or below 36% of state median income until 2030-31 school year, then increases to 50% of state median income

Eligibility expands to include children who are homeless, have participated in early intervention programs (Early Head Start, birth-to-three programs), are eligible for special education, are Indian as defined by the department (at or below 100% state median income), or receive SNAP/food assistance benefits

Three-year-old children who did not turn three by August 31st but otherwise meet eligibility criteria may enroll as space is available, though they are not part of the state-funded entitlement

Passed unanimously (House 97-0, Senate 49-0), signed by Governor Ferguson May 13, 2025, with primary effective date of July 1, 2025