SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SHB 2226

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

Brief Description:  Requiring cities and towns to provide notice for rate increases for solid waste handling services.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Horn, Rust and Cooke)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

     Signed by Senators Fraser, Chairman; Deccio, McCaslin, Moore, Morton, Sutherland and Talmadge.

Staff:  Gary Wilburn (786‑7453)

Hearing Dates: February 16, 1994; February 25, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Solid waste collection companies operating in the unincorporated areas of a county are regulated by the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).  A city has the option of allowing the UTC to regulate collection, operating a city collection service, or contracting with a private collection company. 

A solid waste collection company regulated by the UTC is required to provide 45 days notice to the UTC and the public before changing rates or service levels.

SUMMARY:

Cities are required to notify the public of a change in solid waste rates 45 days prior to the proposed date of the rate change.  This requirement applies to cities that choose not to use a solid waste collection company regulated by the Utilities and Transportation Commission.  Notification may occur through the mail or through the newspaper.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

The state's minimum functional standards adopted after October 1, 1993, shall define existing landfill units to include defined land areas under local health department permit.  This definition applies only to landfills with a capacity less than two million tons of waste.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

Provides prior notice to customers of city services comparable to that for customers in unincorporated areas under 1993 legislation.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Rep. Horn, prime sponsor; Kathleen Collins, Assn. of Washington Cities