SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5815
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Environment, Water & Energy, February 21, 2011
Title: An act relating to rates and charges established by local boards of health to finance on-site sewage programs.
Brief Description: Concerning rates and charges established by local boards of health to finance on-site sewage programs.
Sponsors: Senator Fraser.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Environment, Water & Energy: 2/21/11 [DPS, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5815 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Nelson, Vice Chair; Chase, Fraser and Ranker.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Holmquist Newbry and Morton.
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: Pursuant to state mandates, local boards of health (local BOH) manage and regulate on-site sewage systems (OSS) by preparing and implementing management plans and administering permit and inspection requirements. In designated Puget Sound marine recovery areas, local health officials must identify and repair failing OSS. Local BOH may set fees for licenses, permits, and services.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): Existing authority of local BOH to set fees for licenses, permits, and services is revised to provide that fees imposed annually on more than 50 properties may be collected by county treasurers to finance OSS programs, in the same manner currently provided for collection of rates and charges, through notice on property tax statements.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute as Passed Committee): A provision is deleted granting local BOH authority to set rates and charges to finance OSS programs, collected by county treasurers through notice on property tax statements, and enforceable through liens. Instead, existing authority of local BOH to set fees for licenses, permits, and services is revised to provide that fees imposed annually on more than 50 properties may be collected by county treasurers to finance OSS programs, in the same manner currently provided for collection of rates and charges, through notice on property tax statements.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Proposed Substitute as Heard in Committee: PRO: The proposed substitute bill does not authorize new fees or new lien enforcement authority. Instead, the measure will enable the Thurston County BOH to more efficiently collect fees currently being imposed to meet state mandates to manage OSS.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Fraser, prime sponsor; Kathy Wolfe, Thurston County; Scott Merriman, Association of Washington Counties.