SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 6682

As Passed Senate, February 19, 2002

Title:  An act relating to restricting utility assessments and charges for certain mobile home parks.

Brief Description:  Restricting utility connection charges for certain mobile home parks.

Sponsors:  Senators Winsley and Prentice.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  2/7/02 [DP, DNP].

Passed Senate:  2/19/02, 46-1.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Hochstatter, Honeyford, Rasmussen, Regala, West and Winsley.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Gardner.

Staff:  Elizabeth Mitchell (786‑7430)

Background:  There is concern that some mobile home parks may be required to pay utility fees even though the parks are not connected to utilities.

Summary of Bill:  A mobile home park cannot be required to pay a utility connection charge until the park connects to the utility.  This provision applies retroactively.  Cities, towns, and counties may require a mobile home park to replace a septic system with a sewer if:  (1) the local health department determines that the septic system is failing; or (2) it has been at least five years since the initial request to replace the septic system.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.