Title: An act relating to allowing counties to have a lien against properties that were levied for storm water control facilities.

Brief Description: Modifying county lien authority.

Sponsors: Senators Pridemore, Kastama, Doumit, Zarelli, Kline and Benton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/30/06, 1/31/06 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6510 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Berkey, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Fairley, Haugen, Kline, McCaslin, Mulliken and Pridemore.

Staff: Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background: Counties are authorized to construct and maintain storm water control facilities for the protection of life and property and to charge those who benefit from them or who contribute to increase of surface water runoff. If charges are not paid, counties can file a lien on the property and subsequently bring a foreclosure action.

Summary of Substitute Bill: Liens for delinquent storm water control charges are made automatic, and penalties and costs of foreclosure are included. Counties are given the option of using the collection procedures otherwise used by county treasurers.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: Collections will be cheaper, faster, and simpler. Counties will have flexibility to use the same collection procedures as are used for taxes and other fees. There will be less aggravation for citizens. Treasurers are supportive, and some counties already do this.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Sen. Pridemore, Prime Sponsor; Doug Lasher, Clark County Treasurer.