HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2337
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Technology, Energy & Communications
Title: An act relating to services provided by television reception improvement districts.
Brief Description: Regarding services provided by television reception improvement districts.
Sponsors: Representative Armstrong.
Brief History:
Technology, Energy & Communications: 2/1/08, 2/5/08 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives McCoy, Chair; Eddy, Vice Chair; Crouse, Ranking Minority Member; McCune, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hankins, Herrera, Kelley, Morris, Takko and Van De Wege.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Hudgins and Hurst.
Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).
Background:
Legislation allowing for the creation of television reception improvement districts was
enacted in 1971. State law authorizes television reception improvement districts to be
formed for the construction, maintenance, and operation of television and FM radio translator
stations.
The business of the district is conducted by the board of a television reception improvement
district. The board must ascertain and prepare a list on an annual basis of all persons
believed to own television sets within the district and deliver a copy of the list to the county
treasurer.
The county treasurer may collect an excise tax of no more than $60 per year per television
set. A person who owns more than one television set, but less than five television sets, may
only be assessed for one television set. A motel, hotel, or any person owning more than five
television sets must pay at a rate of one-fifth of the annual tax rate for each of the first five
television sets and one-tenth of such rate for each additional television set.
An owner of a television set within the district is exempt if: (1) the television set does not
receive at least a class grade B contour signal retransmitted by the television translator station
or other similar device operated by the district; or (2) the television set receives a subscription
to services of a community antenna system.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The purpose section of the television reception improvement district statute is extended to
include activities to construct, maintain, and operate public safety emergency radio
communications systems.
A television reception improvement district may translate or retransmit signals which
originate from public safety emergency radio communications systems.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill adds the term "public safety" to clarify that television reception
improvement district funds only may be used for public safety emergency radio
communications systems.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) These emergency radio systems are important, particularly in the more rural
areas of the state. Over the years, these small television reception districts have grown to
include emergency radio systems. Television reception district fees are paid through a
voluntary system. We would like to be able to spread these funds across fire, police, and
other services.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Armstrong, prime sponsor; and Sue Roberts, Methow Valley Communications District.