Education

HB 1314 amends Washington state law to establish and fund two accounts for early learning facilities: a revolving account and a development account. These accounts provide state matching funds for planning, renovating, purchasing, or constructing childcare facilities serving children aged 1 month to 12 years, primarily for programs like early childhood education and working connections child care. The bill requires the Department of Commerce to administer the program, prioritizing financial hardship exemptions for match funding and adding emergency grants for natural disasters or health/safety threats to facilities. It directly affects eligible childcare organizations, school districts, and tribal compact schools seeking facility improvements or emergency repairs.

This bill amends Washington's license fee structure to require an additional $25 annual fee from many licensed health professionals. The funds will be transferred to the University of Washington to support its health sciences library. It affects all licensed health professionals in Washington covered by the fee structure, including nurses, physicians, therapists, psychologists, and others listed in the bill. The fee increase takes effect July 27, 2025, and is now law following the governor's signature.