HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2653

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:

February 9, 2012

Title: An act relating to correcting technical statutory cross-references in previous private infrastructure development legislation for certain provisions relating to regulatory fees for wastewater companies.

Brief Description: Correcting technical statutory cross-references in previous private infrastructure development legislation for certain provisions relating to regulatory fees for wastewater companies.

Sponsors: Representatives Hansen and Upthegrove; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Environment: 1/26/12, 1/27/12 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/9/12, 95-1.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Corrects statutory references pertaining to regulatory fees for wastewater companies.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives Upthegrove, Chair; Tharinger, Vice Chair; Short, Ranking Minority Member; Harris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Jinkins, Morris, Nealey, Pearson, Pollet, Shea, Takko, Taylor and Wylie.

Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).

Background:

Certain wastewater companies may not provide sewerage services for compensation without first obtaining a certificate from the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). Wastewater companies subject to the UTC jurisdiction are entities that own, or propose to develop and own, a sewerage system that is designed to either serve: (1) a peak flow of 27,000 to 100,000 gallons if treatment is by large on-site sewerage systems; or (2) to serve 100 or more customers. Excluded from the UTC's jurisdiction are publicly-owned wastewater systems and wastewater company service to customers outside of an urban growth area.

Summary of Bill:

Statutory references are corrected to reference the provisions of the Public Utility Code that apply to regulatory fees for wastewater companies.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2012.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill corrects an erroneous cross-reference in legislation enacted last year. This is not a fee bill. This will allow the regulatory fees to be assessed accurately.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Hansen, prime sponsor; and Ann Rendahl, Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.