Brief Description: Restricting the rate charged mobile home parks for storm or surface water sewer system service.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Warnick, McCune, B. Sullivan, McDonald and Morrell.

Hearing Date: 1/24/07

Staff: Robyn Dupuis (786-7166).

Background:

   City, town, and county operated sanitary sewers, storm or surface water sewers, solid waste facilities, and combined water and sewer systems are required to charge uniform rates for the same class of customers. However, no particular classification is mandated for any particular type or kind of customer. Rather, in classifying customers, the legislative authorities of these local governments are specifically granted discretion to consider any or all of several factors, including:

• The difference in cost of service and facilities;
• The location of customers within or without the city or area;
• The quantity and quality of the sewage delivered and the time of its delivery;
• The nonprofit public benefit status of the land user; and
• Any other factors that present a reasonable difference as a ground for distinction.

Summary of Bill:

Cities, towns and counties must use the same classification for mobile home parks as for multifamily residential housing in classifying customers for wastewater systems. This classification applies to city and county operated sanitary sewers, storm or surface water sewers, solid waste facilities, and combined water and sewer systems. The city and county legislative authorities retain discretion in the classification of all other customers.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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