HB 1212 Washington House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning the siting of child care centers.

This bill requires all cities and towns in Washington to allow child care centers (including converting existing buildings) as an outright permitted use in every zoning area except industrial zones, without needing special approval. It permits local governments to impose minor restrictions on permits, such as designated pickup/drop-off areas. Cities required to update comprehensive plans in 2027 must incorporate these rules by then, while all other cities must implement them within two years of the law taking effect. The policy directly affects child care providers seeking locations and local governments managing zoning regulations.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Jan 12, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Bill Substitute Bill · 2 edits
MINOR
This bill updates the timeline for cities to allow child care centers in residential areas. It replaces a vague deadline based on future planning cycles with specific dates: cities updating plans in 2027 must comply then, while others must comply within two years of the bill's effective date.
Scope change
The scope of applicability remains the same for all cities and towns, but the specific deadlines for implementation have been clarified and adjusted.
TIMELINE

Changed the deadline for cities to adopt child care zoning rules from a variable date tied to the next comprehensive plan update to a fixed schedule based on whether the city updates its plan in 2027 or not.

Established a two-year implementation deadline for all cities that are not required to submit a comprehensive plan update in 2027.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
lower
Feb 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM.
lower
Jan 29, 2025
Committee
Referred to Appropriations.
lower
Jan 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Local Government at 10:30 AM.
lower
Jan 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Local Government at 10:30 AM.
lower
1 primary · 15 co-sponsors

Sponsors