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Senate passes childcare workforce‑standards board bill after heated floor debate
Summary
The Washington Senate on March 3 passed second substitute House Bill 11‑28, creating a childcare workforce standards board to study training, background‑check costs and workforce supports. The measure passed 28‑19 with two excused after multiple amendments and hours of debate over scope and cost.
The Washington State Senate passed second substitute House Bill 11‑28 on March 3 after extended floor debate over the role and scope of a new childcare workforce standards board.
Senator Mona Saldana, sponsor of the senate‑amended striking language, said the board will "bring together equal membership of workforce and providers" to study background‑check costs, fingerprinting, health screening requirements and training, producing recommendations for the Legislature. "This board will center workers' voices and the providers who deliver care," Saldana said.
Opponents, led by Senator John King, said the bill duplicates existing state bodies and risks driving up costs. "We already have boards at DCYF and other agencies…
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