Senate committee hears widespread support for $300-per-child pilot to study cash benefits for families

Senate Bill 6212, sponsored by Senator Tawanna Nobles, drew testimony Feb. 2 as the Human Services Committee considered a plan to pilot a modest universal child benefit for families with school‑age children eligible for free and reduced-price lunch.

Allison Mendiola, committee staff, summarized the bill: the Department of Commerce would administer a pilot beginning Jan. 1, 2027, running for 24 months. Up to 1,000 households would receive $300 per child per month; a control cohort of 1,200 households would receive $20 per month. Commerce would report to the Legislature on outcomes and on whether a statewide program should be implemented and at what benefit level. Mendiola noted a fiscal note had not yet been received at the time of briefing.

Senator Tawanna Nobles, sponsor and representative of the 28th Legislative District, said the pilot is rooted in the idea that “when families have a little more stability, kids do better and communities are stronger for it,” and emphasized the program is evidence-driven and not intended to replace existing benefits.

Witnesses from advocacy groups and community organizations gave consistent support. Kamal Shege of the Washington Community Alliance said the 2021 expanded child tax credit was associated with a sharp drop in child poverty and argued this pilot would provide data on cash benefits’ effects. Suki Samra, representing elected officials who back guaranteed-income pilots, described evaluations of more than 70 pilots that showed cash assistance helps families stabilize and access better jobs. Donna Pompinto of United Way Pierce County described local GRIP pilots that provided unconditional monthly cash and reported improved housing stability, food security and reduced stress.

Committee members asked practical questions about funding amid a tight state budget. Senator Christian noted the state is in a budget deficit and asked whether the bill has a funding source; the sponsor said staff and stakeholders may offer ideas but that no plan had been finalized.

After hearing panels of supporters and technical questions, the committee closed the SB 6212 hearing for today and recorded the testimony for further consideration at the committee’s executive session calendar.

No committee vote was taken on Feb. 2. The chair reminded members that amendments are due by noon the following day for Wednesday’s executive session.