SB 5154 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Provides that an electric utility is immune from liability under RCW 64.12.030, 64.12.040, and 4.24.630 and any claims for general or special damages, including claims of emotional distress, when it cuts or removes vegetation located on or originating from land or property adjacent to electric facilities and that:  (1) Has come in contact with or caused damage to electric facilities;

     (2) poses a hazard to the general public health, safety, or welfare and the electric utility makes a reasonable effort as soon as practicable to notify and secure agreement from the affected property owner of record, or the resident of the affected property, regarding the disposition of the vegetation that has been cut or removed by the utility; or

     (3) poses a potential threat to damage electric facilities and the electric utility notifies and secures agreement from the affected property owner of record for the cutting, removing, and disposition of the vegetation.  If the affected property owner fails to respond to a notice from the electric utility within two weeks of the date the electric utility provided notice, the electric utility may secure agreement from a resident of the affected property for the cutting, removing, and disposition of vegetation.