Washington HB2607 amends child care subsidy rates to reach the 85th percentile of market rates by July 1, 2026.

HB2607 mandates that child care subsidy base rates achieve the 85th percentile of market rates by July 1, 2026. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families must adjust rates to reflect cost of living and economic differences between regions. The department must consider factors such as area median income and cost of living by zip code, and group regions by categories like rural, suburban, or urban. The bill also encourages designating regions more localized than on the county level.

Washington HB2607 amends child care subsidy rates to reach the 85th percentile of market rates by July 1, 2026.

HB2607 mandates that child care subsidy base rates achieve the 85th percentile of market rates by July 1, 2026. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families must adjust rates to reflect cost of living and economic differences between regions. The department must consider factors such as area median income and cost of living by zip code, and group regions by categories like rural, suburban, or urban. The bill also encourages designating regions more localized than on the county level.