HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 2923

Title:  An act relating to public utility rights of way on aquatic lands.

Brief Description:  Allowing certain entities to use state‑owned aquatic lands for public utility lines.

Sponsors:  Representatives Crouse, Ruderman and Morris.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

TECHNOLOGY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND ENERGY

Meeting:  January 28, 2000.

Staff:  Scott MacColl (786-7106)

Background:

Public utility lines owned by a governmental entity are permitted to use state owned aquatic lands without charge by agreement, permit, or other instrument if the use is consistent with criteria set in statute and does not obstruct navigation or other public uses.

State owned aquatic lands are those aquatic lands and waterways administered by the Department of Natural Resources or managed by a port district.  This does not include aquatic lands owned in fee by, or withdrawn for the use of, state agencies other than the Department of Natural Resources.

Use for public parks or public recreation purposes are authorized without charge if the aquatic lands and improvements are available to the general public on a first-come, first- serve basis and are not managed for profit.

Summary of Bill:

Access to state-owned aquatic lands without charge is expanded to include public utility lines owned by cooperative associations on the cooperative plan, mutual corporation or associations, or a public service company subject to regulation by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Appropriation:  No.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 24, 2000.

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