BILL REQ. #:  H-0040.1 

Prefiled 12/23/2004. Read first time 01/10/2005.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to paying utility bills electronically; adding a new section to chapter 35.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.67 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.92 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.94 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 54.16 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 57.08 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 80.28 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 80.36 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 35.21 RCW to read as follows:
     By July 1, 2005, a city or town that provides electric, natural gas, water, or sewer services to retail customers must offer an electronic payment option that its customers may use for payment of bills for service provided through the utility. Electronic payment options must be provided without additional fees or costs charged to the customer.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 35.67 RCW to read as follows:
     By July 1, 2005, a city or town that provides sewer services to retail customers must offer an electronic payment option that its customers may use for payment of bills for service provided through the utility. Electronic payment options must be provided without additional fees or costs charged to the customer.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 35.92 RCW to read as follows:
     By July 1, 2005, a city or town that provides electric, natural gas, water, or sewer services to retail customers must offer an electronic payment option that its customers may use for payment of bills for service provided through the utility. Electronic payment options must be provided without additional fees or costs charged to the customer.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 36.94 RCW to read as follows:
     By July 1, 2005, a county that operates a sewerage or water system must offer an electronic payment option that its retail customers may use for payment of bills for service provided through the utility. Electronic payment options must be provided without additional fees or costs charged to the customer.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   A new section is added to chapter 54.16 RCW to read as follows:
     By July 1, 2005, a public utility district that provides electric, water, or sewer services to retail customers must offer an electronic payment option that its customers may use for payment of bills for service provided through the district. Electronic payment options must be provided without additional fees or costs charged to the customer.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   A new section is added to chapter 57.08 RCW to read as follows:
     By July 1, 2005, a district that operates a sewer or water system must offer an electronic payment option that its retail customers may use for payment of bills for service provided through the district. Electronic payment options must be provided without additional fees or costs charged to the customer.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   A new section is added to chapter 80.28 RCW to read as follows:
     By July 1, 2005, a gas company, electrical company, or water company that provides gas, electric, or water services to retail customers must offer an electronic payment option that its retail customers may use for payment of bills for service provided through the company. Electronic payment options must be provided without additional fees or costs charged to the customer.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 8   A new section is added to chapter 80.36 RCW to read as follows:
     By July 1, 2005, a telecommunications company that provides telecommunications services to retail customers must offer an electronic payment option that its retail customers may use for payment of bills for service provided through the company. Electronic payment options must be provided without additional fees or costs charged to the customer.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 9   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.