SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2642

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:

Transportation, February 25, 2014

Title: An act relating to the deadline for annual regulatory fees for charter party and excursion service carriers.

Brief Description: Modifying the deadline for annual regulatory fees for charter party and excursion service carriers.

Sponsors: Representatives Walkinshaw, Kochmar, Clibborn and Klippert; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Eide, Co-Chair; King, Co-Chair; Hobbs, Vice Co-Chair; Fain, Budget Leadership Cabinet; Angel, Brown, Cleveland, Dansel, Ericksen, Liias, Litzow, Mullet, O'Ban, Rolfes and Sheldon.

Background: The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) regulates various transportation industries, including passenger charter and excursion carriers. Transportation industries regulated by the UTC must pay an annual regulatory fee, which for most industries is due May 1, to cover the calendar year in which the fee is paid. However, the regulatory fee for passenger charter and excursion carriers is due December 31, to cover the ensuing year.

The regulatory fees must be deposited in the Public Service Revolving Fund, which is used to support operational expenses at the UTC.

Summary of Bill: Passenger charter and excursion carriers must pay an annual regulatory fee by May 1 of each year, to cover operations for the year in which the fee is paid.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill simply changes the date by which charter and excursion bus companies pay their regulatory fees. The payment date under the bill conforms with all other transportation and utility industry fee payment dates, which is May 1 of each year.