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Bill

HB 1200

Authorizing payment for parental caregivers of minor children with developmental disabilities.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Alvarado and 29 co-sponsors

Washington bill would fund direct payments to parents providing full-time care for children with developmental disabilities, reducing family financial burden and potentially preventing costly institutional placement.

Referred to Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HB 1200

Legislative bill overview

HB 1200 would establish a payment program for parents or guardians who provide full-time care to minor children with developmental disabilities in Washington State. The bill authorizes state funding to compensate these family caregivers for their care work, rather than requiring families to rely solely on institutional or paid external care services.

Why is this important

Many families with children with developmental disabilities face significant financial burden providing 24/7 care, often forcing one parent to leave the workforce entirely. This bill could reduce family financial hardship, allow parents to remain employed or pursue education, and potentially reduce costs associated with out-of-home placement by supporting families to care for their children at home.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding questions: The bill has been referred to Appropriations, indicating significant budget implications; lawmakers will debate whether this is fiscally sustainable and how it compares to other disability service priorities
  • Eligibility and payment criteria: Defining which families qualify, how payment rates are set, and whether compensation adequately reflects caregiving work could generate debate about fairness and program design
  • Broader policy implications: Questions about whether direct caregiver payments set precedent for other family caregiving situations (elderly parents, siblings with disabilities) and potential workforce impacts on professional care agencies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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