Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Technology, Energy & Communications Committee |
HB 1630
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: Creating the electricity in public schools act.
Sponsors: Representatives Eddy, Springer, Hudgins, Simpson and Hasegawa.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/11/09
Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133)
Background:
According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), energy costs are a school district's second highest expenditure after personnel. The DOE estimates that turning off lights in unoccupied rooms in schools can save 8 to 10 percent of a school's annual lighting energy.
School districts receive a single per-student allocation from the state for all overhead (non-salary) costs.
Summary of Bill:
Public educational facilities must turn off all electrical lights when the facility is unoccupied. This requirement does not apply to electrical lights installed for security purposes if the electrical lights are fluorescent lights, or if a motion detector is attached to the light so that it only functions when activated.
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.