6726-S AMS PREN S5203.1

SSB 6726 - S AMD - 061

By Senator Prentice

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that large-scale downsizings, mergers, or work force reductions by public utility suppliers, such as electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and water companies can have a substantial impact in the quality of utility service and add to family stress.  The legislature further finds that it is in the public interest for the utilities and transportation commission to review and comment on these potential impacts prior to major large-scale mergers or work force reductions.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 80.04 RCW to read as follows:

    A public service company is required to notify the commission ninety days prior to a work force reduction of one hundred or more employees that occurs within a ninety-day period.  The company shall submit documentation of the potential impact on the quality of service resulting from the proposed downsizing or merger.  Within seventy days of notification, the commission shall review the potential impact of the work force reduction on the quality of utility service provided to communities, businesses, individuals, and state and local governments served by the public service company and shall hold a public meeting to allow consumer comment.  The commission will then notify the public service company and interested parties of its findings."

SSB 6726 - S AMD

By Senator Prentice

    On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "commission;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 80.04 RCW; and creating a new section."

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