SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5451
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 of March 4, 2009
Title: An act relating to changing the date for setting the amount of pipeline safety fees.
Brief Description: Changing the date for setting the amount of pipeline safety fees.
Sponsors: Senators Oemig, Ranker, Rockefeller, Honeyford and Fraser; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Environment, Water & Energy: 2/13/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY |
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: The State Pipeline Safety Program, administered by the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), is funded by federal grants and fees charged to pipeline companies. The size of the federal grant determines how much companies are charged. Current law requires the UTC to bill companies for fees before July 1 of each year. Since the agency does not receive information regarding federal grant funding until later in the summer, this billing is an estimate. The UTC sends final invoices to companies in September, after it receives pertinent grant funding information. It is suggested that UTC billing should be aligned with the federal grant determination to avoid the need for two rounds of billing.
Summary of Bill: The UTC must set pipeline safety fees before September 1 of each year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.