ESSB 5500 — Modernizing reimbursement rates for the working connections child care program. (REVISED FOR ENGROSSED: Defining the cost of quality child care for the biennial survey.)

What this bill does

Specifies that a biennial report created by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families that currently includes a market rate survey also include a current cost of quality child care study and a cost of quality child care study as defined by the early educator design team.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

Floor votes

• Senate — 3rd Reading & Final Passage · January 28, 2026
  30 yea · 19 nay

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Other bills sponsored by Alvarado

• HB 1090 — Concerning contraceptive coverage.
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• SB 5463 — Concerning the duties of industrial insurance self-insured employers and third-party administrators.
• SSB 5488 — Strengthening the financial stability of persons in the care of the department of children, youth, and families.
• E2SSB 5496 — Preserving homeownership options by limiting excessive home buying by certain entities.