FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1357

                     Synopsis as Enacted

                         C 306 L 93

Brief Description:  Modifying certification of public water supply system operators.

By House Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Rust, Horn, Roland and Valle; by request of Department of Health).

House Committee on Environmental Affairs

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Ecology and Parks

Background:  Public water systems having 100 or more connections, or having 15 or more connections and using a surface water supply, must have a certified operator.  The Department of Health and the Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Board of Examiners oversee the operator certification process.  Fees for operator certification are established by the Department of Health based on the cost to the department of running the certification program.  Operator certification fees are deposited in the general fund.

Summary:  The waterworks operator certification account is established.  All fees received by the Department of Health for water system operator certification are deposited in the account.  The account is subject to appropriation.

The Department of Health may assess fees on public water systems, in addition to fees on certified operators, to operate the water system operator certification program.  The department shall establish two schedules of fees, one for applicants for certified operator and one for public water systems, to pay for the program.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  75 21

Senate 31 16 (Senate amended)

House            (House refused to concur)

Senate 33 13 (Senate receded)

Effective:  July 25, 1993