HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1750

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                  Government Administration

Title:  An act relating to mobile home park sewer systems.

Brief Description:  Protecting existing, functional mobile home park septic systems.

Sponsors:  Representatives D. Sommers, Sterk and Sheldon.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  2/18/97, 2/21/97 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunn; Murray; Reams; Smith; L. Thomas; Wensman and Wolfe.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Gardner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786-7092).

Background:  Cities, towns, and counties are authorized to construct, maintain, and operate systems of sewerage.  Water-sewer districts have the express authority to compel property owners within an area served by the district=s sewers to connect to the sewer system.  Cities, towns, and counties lack the express statutory authority to compel property owners to connect to sewers.

When local boards of health identify failing septic systems, they are directed to use their discretion in implementing corrections, such as specifying nonwater-carried sewage disposal devices or other alternative methods of treatment and disposal as a way to address the substandard conditions.   A city or county may use more restrictive standards for failing septic systems if it determines that it is necessary to protect the public health, attain state water quality standards, or protect shellfish and other public resources.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  A city, town, or county cannot require an existing mobile home park to replace existing septic systems, which are functional, with a sewer system within the community, unless specific, immediate, and tangible health or safety problems are established by the city, town, or county.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  A technical amendment is made.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This only applies to mobile home parks that are not having problems with their septic systems.  Mobile home parks need to remain an affordable housing option.  Sewering a mobile home park is a major rebuild of the park, and can raise monthly rents $80 to $100 a month.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Duane Sommers, prime sponsor; John Woodring, Len Boogle, Martin Favaloke,  Washington Manufactured Housing Communities; Ray Munson, citizen; and Bill White, Department of Health (concerns).