FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5097

                                  C 229 L 87

BYSenator Williams

Modifying provisions relating to utility regulation.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Three chapters of the Laws of 1985 amended RCW 80.04.010, definitions relating to the Utilities and Transportation Commission.  Three chapters of the Laws of 1985 also amended RCW 80.04.130, relating to utility tariffs for water and telecommunications service.

SUMMARY:

In each section, RCW 80.04.010 and RCW 80.04.130, the amendments are reenacted and merged.  New definitions are added and a program is established to maintain service for low-income households that currently have phone service and make telephone service available to those that do not presently have service.

This lifeline assistance program is made available to participants in existing aid programs:  aid to families with dependent children, chore service, food stamps, supplemental security income, refugee assistance, and community options program entry system (COPES).  The program is administered by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  The department shall notify the clients of the listed programs of their eligibility.  The benefits include a 50 percent discount on connection charges for those who do not have telephone service, a waiver of deposits, and a lifeline service rate established by the Utilities and Transportation Commission.  The lifeline service rate applies to eligible customers whose lowest available rate is greater than the lifeline rate.

The program is funded through a surcharge tax, not subject to the utility tax, and not to exceed 16 cents per month on the access lines of local ratepayers.  The expected surcharge will average about 9 cents.  A lifeline fund is created for use by DSHS in administering the program.  The Legislature will review the program by December 15, 1989.  The act expires June 30, 1990.

The telephone solicitation law is amended to require repeated violations as a basis for a civil cause of action.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    48     0

      House 91   6 (House amended)

      Senate    45     0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987