FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1425

                          C 61 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Addressing municipal water or sewer utilities.

Sponsors:  Representatives Linville, Mulliken, Ericksen and Scott.

House Committee on Local Government

Senate Committee on State & Local Government

Background:

The United States Constitution specifies that states must have the consent of the United States Congress to enter into agreements or compacts with another state or with a foreign government.  While this constitutional provision was initially interpreted as an unqualified prohibition on any compacts or agreements without express congressional consent, later courts have upheld interstate compacts involving either minor matters or matters for which Congress later enacted a general authorization to compact.

Cities and towns are authorized under Washington law to operate utilities, including water and sewer facilities.  Cities and towns also may acquire, maintain and operate out-of-state facilities for water service in cooperation with municipalities of bordering states which authorize such agreements.

Washington water-sewer districts contiguous to Canada are authorized by statute to contract with Canadian corporations for water service and facilities.

Summary:

Cities and towns contiguous with Canada are authorized to contract with Canadian corporations for water or sewer facilities.

Votes on Final Passage:

House960

Senate420

Effective:July 25, 1999