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Child-care records, audits and reporter door-knocking prompt debate over privacy and oversight
Summary
Reporters and lawmakers sparred over door-to-door checks of taxpayer-subsidized child-care centers, Senate Bill 5926’s proposed records exemption, and an allegation of deleted state records; leaders urged reporting to DCYF and said audits and oversight mechanisms exist but some questioned follow-up on past audit findings.
A sustained exchange at the media availability focused on child-care oversight, proposed public-records exemptions and recent reporting that alleged missing or unverified taxpayer-subsidized childcare operations.
Speaker 11 raised Senate Bill 5926, described in the availability as a proposed public-records exemption intended to protect privacy and safety for childcare providers in nonresidential settings. Speaker 4 said she had not tracked the bill and that it had not been referred to her committee; she offered to look into the referral and language before deciding whether to seek a hearing.
Reporter Speaker 10 described investigations that involved visiting homes that received public funds and said audits’ findings had not always led to action. Speaker 1 and Speaker 3 repeatedly urged reporters and citizens to use official channels for allegations: "The Department of Children, Youth, and Families audits all of them every year," Speaker 1 said, adding that suspected problems should be reported to DCYF so agencies can follow up.
Speakers also warned about aggressive doorstep interactions at private homes. Speaker 4 said private homeowners have a right not to open the front door to strangers and cautioned against public confrontations. In turn, Speaker 5 recounted a long-running positive relationship with an in‑home provider and cautioned that imposing expensive safety infrastructure could reduce the number of small in‑home providers, particularly among immigrant communities.
Speaker 11 also noted a filing in Thurston County by Republican Jim Walsh alleging that records had been deleted from state websites; Speaker 3 said she was not aware of deleted records and that the filing would be reviewed if warranted.
Leaders encouraged use of the state’s audit and oversight system — DCYF investigations, the state auditor and the joint legislative audit and review committee — to address allegations rather than confrontational public checks at private residences. No committee action or final disposition of the referred bills was announced at the availability.
