SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2096

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

State & Local Government, March 28, 2001

Title:  An act relating to assistance for low‑income residential utility customers.

Brief Description:  Authorizing water‑sewer districts to engage in general fund‑raising for programs for low‑income customers.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Dunshee, Mulliken, Santos and Schual‑Berke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  3/19/01, 3/28/01 [DPA, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Gardner, Hale, Kline and Swecker.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Horn and T. Sheldon.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786‑7405)

Background:  Water-sewer districts may include with its billing statements a request for voluntary contributions to assist low-income customers in paying their bills.  Funds must be used solely to supplement low-income residential customers in paying their bills.  All funds must be deposited with either the local agency that administers the federally funded energy assistance program in the district, or with a charitable organization within the district.

Summary of Amended Bill:  Water-sewer districts are authorized to engage in general fund raising activities, not involving gambling, to enhance contributions to programs that assist low-income utility customers in paying their district bills.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The striking amendment prohibits specified gambling activities in fund raising activities.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  We feel this will enhance our ability to help our low-income customers pay their utility bills.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Joe Daniels (for Mark Triplett), WA Assn. of Sewer/Water Districts.