Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Environmental Health Committee |
HB 2459
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: Updating hazardous waste fee provisions.
Sponsors: Representatives Campbell, Chase, Kretz, Dunshee, Rolfes, Finn, Upthegrove and Moeller; by request of Department of Ecology.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/13/10
Staff: Pam Madson (786-7111).
Background:
Hazardous waste generators must pay an annual fee that is collected by the Department of Ecology (Department). The fee is set in statute at the annual amount of $35. The Department is required to adjust the hazardous waste fee annually for inflation. The current adjusted fee amount is $46.
Businesses that generate hazardous waste are exempt from this fee if the value of their products, the gross proceeds of sales, or gross income of the business from generation of hazardous waste is less than $12,000. This threshold amount was established in 1990.
The Department is directed to adjust hazardous waste and pollution prevention planning fees using the Implicit Price Deflator for Gross National Product for state government. The adjustment is made in November of each year.
Summary of Bill:
The threshold amount for an exemption to the hazardous waste fee is increased from $12,000 to $19,500. The Department of Ecology is authorized to adjust the threshold amount annually.
The adjustments for inflation are done in March, rather than November, of each year and are calculated using the Implicit Price Deflator for Gross Domestic Product for state governments if available or, alternatively, a figure applicable to general government.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.