Legislative Successes

• RCW 43.06A.010 Office of Ombudsman for children and families
• RCW 43.215.525 Website for parents to gather information about licensed childcare providers
• RCW 43.215.520 Toll-free hotline
• STARS training program
• RCW 43.215.535 (2) Mandatory liability insurance for family day care providers
• RCW 43.215.215 Criminal background checks for out-of-state applicants for licensed child care
• RCW 70.140.030 Child-use areas tested for soil contaminates (HB 1605)
• RCW 43.215.525 Notices to parents regarding licensing actions taken against child care providers
• RCW 43.215.360 The Jaclyn Frank Act -a child safety law passed in Washington state in 2007 that prohibits the use of cords on window coverings in childcare settings

Recommendation from Washington State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles:

My success in having legislation of mine (or of House companion bills) enacted into law has been directly attributable to Stu's recognition of a need and ability to translate that into concepts for legislation. He's also continually made himself available to testify on bills as well as to get others to do so. A few examples of what I've been able to accomplish in conjunction with support of other key legislators are:

• Creating the Office of Ombudsman for Family and Children
• The STARS program (in budget)
• The toll-free hotline number and website for parents to obtain information about licensed child care providers
• Criminal background checks being conducted on out-of-state applicants to licensed child care providers
• Testing for soil contaminants in child use areas in the Tacoma smelter area
• Requirements to provide notices to parents of licensing actions taken against child care providers
• Liability insurance for family day care providers.