SENATE 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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Environment, February 21, 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: Passed House: 2/09/12, 95-1.

Committee Activity: Environment: 2/15/12, 2/21/12 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Nelson, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Chase, Fraser, Honeyford, Morton and Pridemore.

Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)

Background: Certain wastewater companies may not provide sewerage services for compensation without first obtaining certificates from the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). Wastewater companies subject to UTC jurisdiction are entities owning or proposing to develop and own sewerage systems – facilities and services to collect, treat, and dispose of sewage or storm or surface run-off – that are designed for a peak daily flow of 27,000 to 100,000 gallons, if treatment is by large on-site sewerage systems, or to serve 100 or more customers.  Excluded from UTC 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 Utilities code that apply to regulatory fees for wastewater companies.  

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill works to correct a technical fix. There is a reference to how UTC would handle regulatory fees, but the reference is incorrect. This bill would correct the statutory reference.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Ann Rendahl, UTC.