FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5292

C 190 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Modifying definitions of public energy projects.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Water (originally sponsored by Senators T. Sheldon, McDonald, Fraser, Hochstatter, Regala, Stevens, Kastama, Snyder, Honeyford, Patterson, Eide and Hale).

Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Water

House Committee on Technology, Telecommunications & Energy

Background:  Initiative No. 394 was enacted by the voters in 1981.  It requires public agencies to obtain voter approval prior to issuing bonds for the construction or acquisition of major public energy projects.  Public agencies include public utility districts (PUDs), joint operating agencies (which are groups of PUDs), cities, and counties.

The initiative defined a major public energy project as a new or expanded plant or installation capable of generating more than 250 megawatts.  Projects larger than 250 megawatts are subject to a public vote by the voters living within the boundaries of the public agency.  The manner in which the election must be conducted is specified, including when it shall be held, what information must be provided to the voters regarding the costs and financing of the project, and the form and content of the ballot proposition.

Summary:  The size of a "major public energy project" that requires voter approval for public financing is increased from a public project that generates more than 250 megawatts to one that generates more than 350 megawatts.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate38 5

House7620(House amended)

Senate39 8(Senate concurred)

Effective:  June 13, 2002