Brief Description: Regarding certification of entities regulated by the utilities and transportation commission.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Swecker, Jacobsen, Kastama and Oke; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission).

Hearing Date: 3/23/05

Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7347).

Background:

Under current law, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) regulates certain passenger transportation providers including: private, nonprofit providers for persons with special needs; regular route bus services, including airporter service; charter and excursion services; and commercial ferry companies. The WUTC also regulates solid waste collection companies. An operator wishing to provide any of these services for compensation must first obtain a certificate from the WUTC. In order to revoke, suspend, or amend certain transportation company certificates, or to authorize certificates to new applicants, the WUTC must hold a public hearing. Hearings must be held in every circumstance of change regardless if the certificate holder agrees or objects to the changes.

Unlike other statutory provisions regulating transportation providers, Chapter 81.68 RCW, concerning bus services and airporters, does not provide for temporary certificates.

Summary of Bill:

The WUTC may revoke, suspend, or amend certain transportation company certificates, or authorize certificates to new applicants, without a hearing, when the existing certificate holder does not object to the changes in the status of the certificate. Additionally, the WUTC may issue a certificate to operate commercial ferry service without a hearing, as long as proper notice and an opportunity for a hearing was originally provided and no objections are made regarding the issuance of the certificate.

The WUTC may issue temporary certificates for up to 180 days to bus service or airporter service providers.

RCW 81.68.045, regarding excursion service companies, is moved from the auto transportation companies regulation chapter to the excursion services chapter, 81.70 RCW.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.