Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 1572
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: Authorizing public utility districts to request voluntary contributions to assist low-income customers with payment of water and sewer bills.
Sponsors: Representatives Pettigrew, Kagi, Reykdal, Haigh, Takko, Kenney, Moscoso, Hasegawa, Moeller and Frockt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/11
Staff: Miranda Leskinen (786-7291) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
Public utility districts (PUDs), a type of special purpose district, are created by and for the communities they serve and may provide water, electricity, conservation, and telecommunications services. Washington has 28 public utility districts that serve more than 2.2 million customers. A board of three elected commissioners manages each PUD. Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms.
Public utility districts may receive revenue from the following sources:
service fees;
property tax levies;
general obligation funds;
revenue bonds;
special assessments; and
special assessment bonds.
Currently, PUDs may include a request for voluntary contributions on their service billing statements for the purpose of assisting qualified low-income residential customers pay their electricity bills. Contributions are managed and distributed by one of the following entities:
the district;
the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED); or
a charitable organization with the district's service area.
Summary of Bill:
Public utility districts may request voluntary contributions to assist qualified customers pay their water and sewer bills on their service billing statements. Additionally, the references to the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development are changed to the Department of Commerce.
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.