HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2784

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                  Government Administration

Title:  An act relating to safe public water supply.

Brief Description:  Adding inhabitants of county as recipients of water works benefits.

Sponsors:  Representatives Johnson, D. Schmidt, Wensman, Cairnes, Zellinsky and Clements.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  2/4/98, 2/5/98 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Gardner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunn; Dunshee; Murray; Reams; Smith; L. Thomas; Wensman and Wolfe.

Staff:  John Carmichael (786-7093).

Background:  Public Utility Districts (PUDs) may provide water to:  (1)  The inhabitants of the district; and (2) any other persons, including corporations within and outside of the district.

Currently, the territory of Mason County is divided between two PUDs.  The Snohomish County PUD includes all of Snohomish County and Camano Island, which is located in Island County. 

Summary of Bill:  The authority of PUDs to provide water to people outside the district is clarified.  PUDs may provide water to inhabitants of the county in which the district is located, regardless of whether they are in the PUD=s district.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  PUDs should be able to take over for smaller water districts that are unable to meet Clean Water Act standards.  This bill clarifies that Mason County PUD #1 can provide water in the territory of Mason County PUD No. 3, which only offers electricity.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Johnson, prime sponsor; and Kristen Harte, Washington Public Utility Districts.