Increasing access to the working connections child care program for graduate and professional students.

HB 1873 expands Washington State’s Working Connections Child Care program to include graduate and professional students enrolled full-time at higher education institutions. It sets eligibility at household income of 85% or less of the state median income (adjusted for family size), requires children to be under 13 or under 19 with a verified special need, and waives copayments where federal law allows (capping at $15). The bill also clarifies that two-parent households cannot be denied care based on the other parent’s availability and ensures graduate students qualify for full-time child care assistance under the program. These changes apply immediately upon enactment, with income thresholds and copayment rules adjusted to align with existing program tiers.