WA SB6353

Families with household income at or below 60% of state median income remain eligible for Working Connections Child Care; previously scheduled expansions to 75% (July 2029) and 85% (July 2031) of median income are repealed

Child care subsidy base rates must reach the 85th percentile of market rates by July 1, 2026, then decrease to the 75th percentile by July 1, 2027 for licensed or certified providers

Licensed or certified child care providers accepting state subsidies may claim payment for up to 15 days when a child attends at least one day per month, plus additional daily payments for attendance beyond 15 days

Collective bargaining scope for family child care providers is narrowed to specify enumerated economic matters including base rates, tiered reimbursements, child-specific enhancements, and grants—explicitly excluding the new attendance payment policy

Providers must receive subsidy rates based on their actual location's subsidy region beginning July 1, 2026; the prospective payments provision (RCW 43.216.827) is repealed