Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2711
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: Concerning electric vehicle charging stations.
Sponsors: Representatives Habib, Magendanz, Tarleton, Morrell, Bergquist, Freeman and Muri.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/6/14
Staff: Andrew Russell (786-7143).
Background:
Washington is host to hundreds of electric vehicle charging stations, including 14 that are part of the West Coast Green Highway. Charging stations are generally maintained and operated by network providers who may charge a fee to use such a station. Finally, charging stations must be clearly marked with a sign and green pavement markings, and it is a parking infraction to park in such a space while not being connected to the charging equipment.
Summary of Bill:
Publicly accessible charging stations must be open to use by members of the public without such users having to pay a subscription fee or join any membership network. Charging station operators may impose additional "network roaming charges" for nonmembers, if such charges are disclosed prior to any payment.
Additionally, any charging station that requires the payment of a fee must allow a user to pay by credit card, mobile technology, or both. These requirements do not apply, however, to charging stations provided by a producer of electric vehicles or those that are reserved for exclusive use by certain groups, such as residents of a common interest development or customers of a business whose primary interest is other than electric vehicle charging.
If no interoperability billing standards for network roaming have been adopted by a national standards organization within two years after the effective date of the act, the department may adopt such standards.
Finally, the service provider of an electric vehicle charging station must disclose to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory the station's location, fees, methods of payment, and roaming charges.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2014.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.