A straightforward bill aims to remove a barrier to allowing childcare centers to operate in existing buildings, especially churches.

SB 5655, sponsored by Sen. Deborah Krishnadasan (D–Gig Harbor), adds this provision to the state building code:

When a child care center is operated in a dedicated space within an existing building that has more than one use, the building official must calculate the occupancy load of the child care center based only on the areas in the building where the child care services are provided. This requirement applies when administering and enforcing any of the building codes adopted in accordance with and pursuant to the authority in this chapter.

Statutes pertaining to the chief of the Washington State Patrol are also updated to reflect this requirement for fire safety. That’s it—a good little bill.

Date to remember

SB 5655 is scheduled for a committee vote in the House Early Learning & Human Services Committee on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:30 pm.