Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Technology, Energy & Communications Committee |
HB 1028
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning services provided by television reception improvement districts.
Sponsors: Representative Armstrong.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/15/09
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 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.