SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 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 Senate Committee On:
Water, Energy & Telecommunications, February 22, 2008
Title: An act relating to services provided by television reception improvement districts.
Brief Description: Regarding services provided by television reception improvement districts.
Sponsors: House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representative Armstrong).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/08, 95-1.
Committee Activity: Water, Energy & Telecommunications: 2/22/08 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, ENERGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hatfield, Holmquist, Morton and Regala.
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: Television reception improvement districts may be formed to construct, operate, and maintain television and FM radio translator stations. Districts are funded by an annual excise tax on televisions of up to $60 per television. A person owning more than one but fewer than five televisions may only be assessed for one television. A motel, hotel, or person owning more than five televisions pays one-fifth of the annual tax rate for each of the first five televisions and one-tenth of that rate for each additional television. Certain exemptions apply. It is suggested that these districts be authorized to provide emergency radio service..
Summary of Bill: Television reception improvement districts are authorized to construct, operate, and maintain public safety emergency radio communications systems, and to translate or retransmit signals originating from those systems.
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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute Bill: PRO: Information provided by emergency radio systems is important in rural areas served by television reception improvement districts. District equipment improves reception for viewers using old-fashioned antennae. Cable television companies support this legislation.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Armstrong, prime sponsor.