SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2677
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Environment, Water & Energy, February 19, 2010
Title: An act relating to water conservation loans.
Brief Description: Extending the pay back period for certain water conservation loans.
Sponsors: Representatives Chase and Simpson.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/10, 91-1.
Committee Activity: Environment, Water & Energy: 2/19/10 [DP].
Ways & Means: 3/19/10 [w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Fraser, Holmquist, Marr, Morton, Oemig and Ranker.
Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)
Background: Under current Washington laws and within limits established by the state Constitution, any city or town engaged in the sale or distribution of water, any county engaged in the sale or distribution of water, and any water and sewer district may assist the owners of structures in financing the acquisition and installation of fixtures, systems, and equipment for the conservation of more efficient use of water. The owners of structures pay back their loans to the respective city or town, county, or water and sewer district through incremental additions to their utility bill. The payback period for water conservation loans cannot exceed 120 months.
In 2009 the Legislature extended the time period in which a customer of a municipal utility must repay a loan for increasing energy efficiency and in which a customer of a public utility district must repay a loan for conservation or more efficient use of water from 120 months to 240 months.
Summary of Bill: The time period in which water conservation loans provided by municipal water distribution utility, county water distribution utility, or a water and sewer district must be repaid is extended from 120 months to 240 months.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill extends the payback period, which will allow for the accomplishment of ever greater water conservation projects.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Chase, prime sponsor.