SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6802

BYSenators Sellar, Vognild, Benitz, Bailey and McCaslin

Changing provisions relating to reduced utility rates for low income disabled citizens.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Patrick, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410)

                February 8, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 7, 1990

BACKGROUND:

General purpose local governments -- including counties, cities and towns -- may set their own definitions for the purpose of providing reduced utility rates for low income senior citizens or low income disabled citizens.  For public utility districts, the definitions of such persons are established by law.

In 1988, the PUD statute was amended to include reduced rates for low income disabled citizens who qualify for special parking privileges and the blind.  It has been suggested that such rates be made available to low income persons with other disabilities.

SUMMARY:

The definition of low income disabled persons who may receive reduced rates from public utility districts is expanded to include any such persons who qualify as being disabled, handicapped or incapacitated under any other existing state or federal program.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested January 29, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified:   Mae Stork, Snohomish County Advocates for the Mentally Ill (pro); Robert Friedman, Evergreen Legal Services, Everett (pro); Phyllis McGavick, Snohomish County PUD (pro); Tom Mortimer, WA PUD Association (pro)