SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6220

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 of January 25, 2012

Title: An act relating to modifying the effective date of RCW 19.122.130 from 2011's underground utility damage prevention act

Brief Description: Regarding the effective date of RCW 19.122.130, from the underground utility damage prevention act.

Sponsors: Senators Nelson, Ranker, Rolfes and Honeyford; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Energy, Natural Resources & Marine Waters: 1/25/12.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, NATURAL RESOURCES & MARINE WATERS

Staff: Angeline Thomas (786-7470)

Background: During the 2011 session, the Legislature approved and the Governor signed the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (E2SHB-1634) into law. It was the first significant update of the Call Before You Dig Law since it was enacted in 1984. This law made the following changes:

The law becomes effective January 1, 2013.

Summary of Bill: The effective date of the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act is modified to allow the following activities to occur prior to the January 1, 2013 effective date:

Additionally, the following activities cannot occur until after January 1, 2013:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is a cleanup to last year’s bill; to allow for entrance into a contract with a non-profit to create a safety committee prior to the January 1, 2013, effective date. Last year’s bill makes the safety committee effective the same day as the act; this is impractical. All stakeholders support this. Safety is a top priority.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Nancy Atwood, Puget Sound Energy; Christine Brewer, Avista; Ann Rendahl, UTC.