SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6355

                    As of January 24, 1996

Title:  An act relating to provision of utility service to federal trust property.

Brief Description:  Limiting the requirement of a utility to provide service to certain federal trust property.

Sponsors:  Senators Wojahn and Schow.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Energy, Telecommunications & Utilities:  1/24/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS & UTILITIES

Staff:  Phil Moeller (786-7445)

Background:  Companies engaged in the sale, distribution and provision of natural gas, electricity, or water are required to furnish supplies of these utilities in a reasonable amount of time when demanded by customers.

A 1990 agreement between a local Indian tribe and local, state, and federal governments allows tribal members to buy private property and convert it into federal trust land.  Trust land becomes the property of the federal government; however, tribal members may still use the land and may be able to avoid some local laws.

Summary of Bill:  Provisions that require companies providing natural gas, electricity or water to provide service are amended to allow for denying service to certain customers if: the customer is located on federal trust land covered by a settlement agreement between an Indian tribe and the state and local governments, and the use of the land is not consistent with the provisions of the settlement agreement.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.