FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 1572

C 29 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing public utility districts to request voluntary contributions to assist low-income customers with payment of water and sewer bills.

Sponsors: House Committee on Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Pettigrew, Kagi, Reykdal, Haigh, Takko, Kenney, Moscoso, Hasegawa, Moeller and Frockt).

House Committee on Local Government

Senate Committee on Environment, Water & Energy

Background:

Public utility districts (PUDs) are created by and for the communities they serve and may provide water, electricity, conservation, and telecommunications services. Washington has 28 PUDs that serve more than 2.2 million customers. A board of three elected commissioners manages each PUD. Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms.

Public utility districts may receive revenue from the following sources:

• service fees;

• property tax levies;

• general obligation funds;

• revenue bonds;

• special assessments; and

• special assessment bonds.

Public utility districts may include a request for voluntary contributions on their service billing statements for the purpose of assisting qualified low-income residential customers pay their electricity bills. Contributions are managed and distributed by one of the following entities:

• the district;

• the Department of Commerce; or

• a charitable organization within the district's service area.

Summary:

Public utility districts may request voluntary contributions to assist qualified customers to pay their water and sewer bills on their service billing statements. Contributions resulting from this request may be administered by the PUD or a charitable organization.

Votes on Final Passage: