FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1064

C 20 L 17

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Removing expiration dates, obsolete dates, and an outdated statutory reference from the enforcement provisions of the underground utility damage prevention act.

Sponsors: Representatives Morris, Smith, Doglio and Hudgins; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission.

House Committee on Technology & Economic Development

Senate Committee on Energy, Environment & Telecommunications

Background:

The Utilities and Transportation Commission.

The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) regulates the rates, services, and practices of privately-owned utilities and transportation companies in Washington, including natural gas and electrical companies. The UTC is also responsible for developing and enforcing safety standards for natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines located within the state. The UTC inspects the portions of interstate natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines located within the state, while the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is responsible for interstate pipeline safety standards and enforcement actions.

The Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act.

The Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (Damage Prevention Act) governs safe excavation practices near underground utility facilities, including natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines. All underground facility operators must subscribe to the state's one-number locator service, through which an excavator may notify utilities of excavation activities and request field-marking of underground facilities.

Certain requirements under the Damage Prevention Act became effective January 1, 2013, and expire December 31, 2020, including the following:

• the requirement of the UTC to contract with a statewide nonprofit entity to establish the state's one-number locator service; and

• the requirement of the contracting entity to create a safety committee to, among other responsibilities, review complaints alleging violations of the Damage Prevention Act.

Until December 31, 2020, the UTC may investigate violations of, and enforce civil penalties authorized under, the Damage Prevention Act.

Summary:

The implementation date of January 1, 2013, and the expiration date of December 31, 2020, for certain requirements under the Damage Prevention Act are removed. An internal reference to a repealed chapter of the Revised Code of Washington relating to personal service contracts is removed.

Votes on Final Passage: