Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Technology, Telecommunications & Energy Committee

HB 2691

Brief Description:  Reducing a property owner's liability for tenant's delinquent charges.

Sponsors:  Representative Crouse.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Limits a property owner=s liability to a municipal utility for a tenant=s delinquent water or electric service charges.

Hearing Date:  1/30/02

Staff:  Pam Madson (786‑7166).

Background:

Some utilities operated by municipalities are authorized to place liens for charges due but unpaid against the property to which utility services are provided.  The lien may be foreclosed through legal proceedings.  However, in the case of water and electricity utilities, the lien allows the utility to shut off service after four months delinquency until delinquent charges are paid.

Summary of Bill:

After January 1, 2003, a municipal utility providing water or electrical service may not collect from the property owner in any manner more than four months of a tenant's unpaid and delinquent utility charges, if the property owner has provided the municipal utility with all required contact information and request for notice of a tenant's delinquency.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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