WA HB2607

Child care subsidy base rates must reach the 85th percentile of market rates beginning July 1, 2026, based on the most recent market rate survey published before May 20, 2025

Department must complete an initial review and rebase of child care rate regions by August 1, 2026, with subsequent reviews every four years thereafter

Regional adjustments to subsidy rates must reflect actual cost of living and economic differences, considering factors like area median income, zip code cost of living, and rural/suburban/urban categories

Department is encouraged to designate rate regions on a more localized basis than county level

Providers are protected from receiving lower subsidy base rates compared to the prior year solely as a result of updated regional adjustments