SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJR 8211

                    As of February 26, 1997

Brief Description:  Authorizing public money derived from the sale of stormwater or sewer services to be used in financing stormwater and sewer conservation and efficiency measures.

Sponsors:  Senators Swecker, McAuliffe, Morton, Haugen and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/27/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Kathleen Healy (786-7403)

Background:  Under Article VIII, Section 10 of the state Constitution, any municipality which sells or distributes water or energy may receive authorization from the Legislature to use public funds or credit to assist financing the purchase and installation of equipment for conserving water and energy.  A charge back is made for the extension of these public funds or credit.  The charge back is a lien against the property or a security interest in the equipment benefitted.  Any authorized financing for energy conservation cannot be used for a conversion from one energy source to another.

This financing can be used only for conservation purposes in existing structures.

Summary of Bill:  A constitutional amendment is proposed for voter approval.  The proposal adds stormwater or sewer services to those services for which a municipality can assist in financing conservation efforts.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.