OLYMPIA – Legislation to expand access to childcare for military families was approved by the Washington State Senate on a bipartisan vote Monday.

Currently, military family home childcare providers already certified through the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) must also be licensed and registered by the state, unless located on a military base. Senate Bill 5545, sponsored by Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane), would streamline the process by exempting off-base military family home childcare providers on or near military bases from state certification.

“This bill is really about increasing access to affordable childcare by making the licensing process easier for military providers around Fairchild and other bases in the state,” Riccelli said. “Many of the providers that are located just off the federal military installations are owned by military families and want to serve military families.”

Washington would join 17 other states that have already streamlined licensing rules for military childcare providers. Under the legislation, the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families would coordinate with DOD and retain the ability to investigate any reports of alleged abuse or neglect.

“We’ve seen really great success with the Air Force, especially being able to support childcare homes just outside the gate to provide care for those family members as they’re coming into work,” DOD official Tammie Perreault told the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee last month. “Eighty-seven percent of these military family childcare providers are military families themselves and it keeps it in our community, being able to take care of our own.”

More than 70% of military families in Washington state live off the base, according to the DOD.

“We are thrilled by the passage of SB 5545 by the Washington Senate. This vital legislation is a game-changer for the Fairchild families, addressing the pressing need for accessible childcare,” said Alisha Benson, CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated. “By helping military families secure reliable care, this bill ensures more parents can enter and thrive in the workforce. We applaud Sen. Riccelli for his leadership and dedication to supporting our service members and their families. This is a crucial step in providing the resources and opportunities that military families need to succeed, both during and after their service.”

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.