READ FIRST TIME 02/07/14.   

     AN ACT Relating to compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas used for transportation purposes; amending RCW 82.38.030, 82.38.075, 82.80.010, 82.80.110, 82.80.120, 82.47.010, 46.16A.060, 46.37.467, 82.04.310, 82.04.120, 82.12.022, 82.14.230, 35.21.870, 82.14.030, 82.08.02565, 82.12.02565, 82.14.050, 82.14.060, 82.08.0261, and 80.28.280; adding a new section to chapter 82.16 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.32 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.135 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 39.42 RCW; creating new sections; providing an effective date; and providing expiration dates.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 101   (1) The legislature finds that current law taxes natural gas as a traditional home heating or electric generation fuel while not taking into account the benefits of natural gas use as a transportation fuel. The legislature further finds that the construction and operation of a natural gas liquefaction plant and compressed natural gas refueling stations as well as the ongoing use of compressed and liquefied natural gas will lead to positive job creation, economic development, environmental benefits, and lower fuel costs. The legislature further finds that it is sound tax policy to provide uniform tax treatment of natural gas used as a transportation fuel, regardless of whether the taxpayer providing the natural gas is a gas distribution business or not, so as to prevent any particular entity from receiving a competitive advantage solely through a structural inefficiency in the tax code.
     (2)(a) This subsection is the tax performance statement for this act. The performance statement is only intended to be used for subsequent evaluation of the tax changes made in this act. It is not intended to create a private right of action by any party or be used to determine eligibility for preferential tax treatment.
     (b) The legislature categorizes the tax changes in this act as changes intended to accomplish the general purposes indicated in RCW 82.32.808(2) (c) and (d).
     (c) It is the legislature's specific public policy objectives to promote job creation and positive economic development; lower carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate emissions; and secure optimal liquefied natural gas pricing for the state of Washington and other public entities.
     (d) To measure the effectiveness of the exemption provided in this act in achieving the specific public policy objective described in (c) of this subsection, the joint legislative audit and review committee must evaluate the following:
     (i) The number of employment positions and wages at a natural gas liquefaction facility located in Washington and operated by a gas distribution business where some or all of the liquefied natural gas is sold for use as a transportation fuel. If the average number of employment positions at the liquefaction facility once it is operationally complete equals or exceeds eighteen and average annual wages for employment positions at the facility exceed thirty-five thousand dollars, it is presumed that the public policy objective of job creation has been achieved.
     (ii) The estimated total cost of construction of a liquefaction plant by a gas distribution company, including costs for machinery and equipment. If the total cost equals or exceeds two hundred fifty million dollars, it is presumed that the public policy objective of positive economic development has been achieved.
     (iii) The estimated fuel savings by the Washington state ferry system and other public entities through the use of liquefied natural gas purchased from a gas distribution business.
     (iv) The estimated reduction in carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate emissions, resulting from the use of liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas as a transportation fuel where the natural gas is sold by a gas distribution business. The emissions of liquefied and compressed natural gas must be specifically compared with an equivalent amount of diesel fuel. If the estimated annual reduction in emissions exceeds the following benchmarks, it is presumed that the public policy objective of reducing emissions has been achieved:
     (A) Three hundred million pounds of carbon dioxide;
     (B) Two hundred thousand pounds of particulates;
     (C) Four hundred thousand pounds of sulfur dioxide; and
     (D) Four hundred fifty thousand pounds of nitrogen dioxide.
     (e)(i) The following data sources are intended to provide the informational basis for the evaluation under (d) of this subsection:
     (A) Employment data provided by the state employment security department;
     (B) Ferry fuel purchasing data provided by the state department of transportation;
     (C) Diesel and other energy pricing data found on the United States energy information administration's web site; and
     (D) Information provided by a gas distribution business on the annual report required under RCW 82.32.534.
     (ii) In addition to the data source described under (e)(i) of this subsection, the joint legislative audit and review committee may use any other data it deems necessary in performing the evaluation under (d) of this subsection.
     (3) A gas distribution business claiming the exemption under RCW 82.08.02565 or 82.12.02565 must file the annual report under RCW 82.32.534 or any successor document. In addition to the information contained in the report, the report must also include the amount of liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas sold by the gas distribution business as a transportation fuel. A gas distribution business is not required to file the annual survey under RCW 82.32.585, as would otherwise be required under RCW 82.32.808(5).
     (4) The joint legislative audit and review committee must perform the review required in this section in a manner consistent with its tax preference review process under chapter 43.136 RCW. The committee must perform the review in calendar year 2025.

Sec. 201   RCW 82.38.030 and 2013 c 225 s 103 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There is levied and imposed upon fuel licensees a tax at the rate of twenty-three cents per each gallon of fuel((, or each one hundred cubic feet of compressed natural gas)), measured at standard pressure and temperature.
     (2) Beginning July 1, 2003, an additional and cumulative tax rate of five cents per each gallon of fuel((, or each one hundred cubic feet of compressed natural gas)), measured at standard pressure and temperature is imposed on fuel licensees. This subsection (2) expires when the bonds issued for transportation 2003 projects are retired.
     (3) Beginning July 1, 2005, an additional and cumulative tax rate of three cents per each gallon of fuel((, or each one hundred cubic feet of compressed natural gas)), measured at standard pressure and temperature is imposed on fuel licensees.
     (4) Beginning July 1, 2006, an additional and cumulative tax rate of three cents per each gallon of fuel((, or each one hundred cubic feet of compressed natural gas)), measured at standard pressure and temperature is imposed on fuel licensees.
     (5) Beginning July 1, 2007, an additional and cumulative tax rate of two cents per each gallon of fuel((, or each one hundred cubic feet of compressed natural gas)), measured at standard pressure and temperature is imposed on fuel licensees.
     (6) Beginning July 1, 2008, an additional and cumulative tax rate of one and one-half cents per each gallon of fuel((, or each one hundred cubic feet of compressed natural gas)), measured at standard pressure and temperature is imposed on fuel licensees.
     (7) Taxes are imposed when:
     (a) Fuel is removed in this state from a terminal if the fuel is removed at the rack unless the removal is by a licensed supplier or distributor for direct delivery to a destination outside of the state, or the removal is by a fuel supplier for direct delivery to an international fuel tax agreement licensee under RCW 82.38.320;
     (b) Fuel is removed in this state from a refinery if either of the following applies:
     (i) The removal is by bulk transfer and the refiner or the owner of the fuel immediately before the removal is not a licensed supplier; or
     (ii) The removal is at the refinery rack unless the removal is to a licensed supplier or distributor for direct delivery to a destination outside of the state, or the removal is to a licensed supplier for direct delivery to an international fuel tax agreement licensee under RCW 82.38.320;
     (c) Fuel enters into this state for sale, consumption, use, or storage, unless the fuel enters this state for direct delivery to an international fuel tax agreement licensee under RCW 82.38.320, if either of the following applies:
     (i) The entry is by bulk transfer and the importer is not a licensed supplier; or
     (ii) The entry is not by bulk transfer;
     (d) Fuel enters this state by means outside the bulk transfer-terminal system and is delivered directly to a licensed terminal unless the owner is a licensed distributor or supplier;
     (e) Fuel is sold or removed in this state to an unlicensed entity unless there was a prior taxable removal, entry, or sale of the fuel;
     (f) Blended fuel is removed or sold in this state by the blender of the fuel. The number of gallons of blended fuel subject to tax is the difference between the total number of gallons of blended fuel removed or sold and the number of gallons of previously taxed fuel used to produce the blended fuel;
     (g) Dyed special fuel is used on a highway, as authorized by the internal revenue code, unless the use is exempt from the fuel tax;
     (h) Dyed special fuel is held for sale, sold, used, or is intended to be used in violation of this chapter;
     (i) Special fuel purchased by an international fuel tax agreement licensee under RCW 82.38.320 is used on a highway; and
     (j) Fuel is sold by a licensed fuel supplier to a fuel distributor or fuel blender and the fuel is not removed from the bulk transfer-terminal system.

Sec. 202   RCW 82.38.075 and 2013 c 225 s 110 are each amended to read as follows:
      (1) To encourage the use of nonpolluting fuels, an annual license fee in lieu of the tax imposed by RCW 82.38.030 is imposed upon the use of liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, or propane used in any motor vehicle. The annual license fee must be based upon the following schedule and formula:

Sec. 203   RCW 82.80.010 and 2013 c 225 s 641 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) ((For purposes of this section:)) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (a) "Distributor" means every person who imports, refines, manufactures, produces, or compounds motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020((, respectively,)) and sells or distributes the fuel into a county((;)).
     (b) "Person" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.04.030.
     (2) Subject to the conditions of this section, any county may levy, by approval of its legislative body and a majority of the registered voters of the county voting on the proposition at a general or special election, additional excise taxes equal to ten percent of the statewide ((motor vehicle fuel tax rate under RCW 82.38.030 on each gallon of motor vehicle fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 and on each gallon of special fuel)) fuel tax rates under RCW 82.38.030 on motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 sold within the boundaries of the county. Vehicles paying an annual license fee under RCW 82.38.075 are exempt from the county fuel excise tax. An election held under this section must be held not more than twelve months before the date on which the proposed tax is to be levied. The ballot setting forth the proposition must state the tax rate that is proposed. The county's authority to levy additional excise taxes under this section includes the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county. The additional excise taxes are subject to the same exceptions and rights of refund as applicable to other motor vehicle fuel and special fuel excise taxes levied under chapter 82.38 RCW. The proposed tax may not be levied less than one month from the date the election results are certified by the county election officer. The commencement date for the levy of any tax under this section must be the first day of January, April, July, or October.
     (3) The local option motor vehicle fuel tax on ((each gallon of)) motor vehicle fuel and on ((each gallon of)) special fuel is imposed upon the distributor of the fuel.
     (4) A taxable event for the purposes of this section occurs upon the first distribution of the fuel within the boundaries of a county to a retail outlet, bulk fuel user, or ultimate user of the fuel.
     (5) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.01, 82.03, and 82.32 RCW, insofar as they are applicable, apply to local option fuel taxes imposed under this section.
     (6) Before the effective date of the imposition of the fuel taxes under this section, a county must contract with the department of revenue for the administration and collection of the taxes. The contract must provide that a percentage amount, not to exceed one percent of the taxes imposed under this section, will be deposited into the local tax administration account created in the custody of the state treasurer. The department of revenue may spend money from this account, upon appropriation, for the administration of the local taxes imposed under this section.
     (7) The state treasurer must distribute monthly to the levying county and cities contained therein the proceeds of the additional excise taxes collected under this section, after the deductions for payments and expenditures as provided in RCW 46.68.090(1) (a) and (b) and under the conditions and limitations provided in RCW 82.80.080.
     (8) The proceeds of the additional excise taxes levied under this section must be used strictly for transportation purposes in accordance with RCW 82.80.070.
     (9) A county may not levy the tax under this section if they are levying the tax in RCW 82.80.110 or if they are a member of a regional transportation investment district levying the tax in RCW 82.80.120.

Sec. 204   RCW 82.80.110 and 2013 c 225 s 642 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) ((For purposes of this section:)) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (a) "Distributor" means every person who imports, refines, manufactures, produces, or compounds motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020((, respectively,)) and sells or distributes the fuel into a county((;)).
     (b) "Person" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.04.030.
     (2) For purposes of dedication to a regional transportation investment district plan under chapter 36.120 RCW, subject to the conditions of this section, a county may levy additional excise taxes equal to ten percent of the statewide ((motor vehicle fuel tax rate under RCW 82.38.030 on each gallon of motor vehicle fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 and on each gallon of special fuel)) fuel tax rates under RCW 82.38.030 on motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW ((82.32.020 [82.38.020])) 82.38.020 sold within the boundaries of the county. The additional excise tax is subject to the approval of the county's legislative body and a majority of the registered voters of the county voting on the proposition at a general or special election. An election held under this section must be held not more than twelve months before the date on which the proposed tax is to be levied. The ballot setting forth the proposition must state that the revenues from the tax will be used for a regional transportation investment district plan. The county's authority to levy additional excise taxes under this section includes the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county. Vehicles paying an annual license fee under RCW 82.38.075 are exempt from the county fuel excise tax. The additional excise taxes are subject to the same exceptions and rights of refund as applicable to other motor vehicle fuel and special fuel excise taxes levied under chapter 82.38 RCW. The proposed tax may not be levied less than one month from the date the election results are certified by the county election officer. The commencement date for the levy of any tax under this section will be the first day of January, April, July, or October.
     (3) The local option motor vehicle fuel tax on ((each gallon of)) motor vehicle fuel and on ((each gallon of)) special fuel is imposed upon the distributor of the fuel.
     (4) A taxable event for the purposes of this section occurs upon the first distribution of the fuel within the boundaries of a county to a retail outlet, bulk fuel user, or ultimate user of the fuel.
     (5) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.01, 82.03, and 82.32 RCW, insofar as they are applicable, apply to local option fuel taxes imposed under this section.
     (6) Before the effective date of the imposition of the fuel taxes under this section, a county must contract with the department of revenue for the administration and collection of the taxes. The contract must provide that a percentage amount, not to exceed one percent of the taxes imposed under this section, will be deposited into the local tax administration account created in the custody of the state treasurer. The department of revenue may spend money from this account, upon appropriation, for the administration of the local taxes imposed under this section.
     (7) The state treasurer must distribute monthly to the county levying the tax as part of a regional transportation investment plan, after the deductions for payments and expenditures as provided in RCW 46.68.090(1) (a) and (b).
     (8) The proceeds of the additional taxes levied by a county in this section, to be used as a part of a regional transportation investment plan, must be used in accordance with chapter 36.120 RCW, but only for those areas that are considered "highway purposes" as that term is construed in Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution.
     (9) A county may not levy the tax under this section if they are a member of a regional transportation investment district that is levying the tax in RCW 82.80.120 or the county is levying the tax in RCW 82.80.010.

Sec. 205   RCW 82.80.120 and 2013 c 225 s 643 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) ((For purposes of this section:)) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (a) "Distributor" means every person who imports, refines, manufactures, produces, or compounds motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020((, respectively,)) and sells or distributes the fuel into a county((;)).
     (b) "Person" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.04.030;
     (c) "District" means a regional transportation investment district under chapter 36.120 RCW.
     (2) A regional transportation investment district under chapter 36.120 RCW, subject to the conditions of this section, may levy additional excise taxes equal to ten percent of the statewide ((motor vehicle fuel tax rate under RCW 82.38.030 on each gallon of motor vehicle fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 and on each gallon of special fuel)) fuel tax rates under RCW 82.38.030 on motor vehicle fuel and special fuel as defined in RCW 82.38.020 sold within the boundaries of the district. The additional excise tax is subject to the approval of a majority of the voters within the district boundaries. Vehicles paying an annual license fee under RCW 82.38.075 are exempt from the district's fuel excise tax. The additional excise taxes are subject to the same exceptions and rights of refund as applicable to other motor vehicle fuel and special fuel excise taxes levied under chapter 82.38 RCW. The proposed tax may not be levied less than one month from the date the election results are certified. The commencement date for the levy of any tax under this section will be the first day of January, April, July, or October.
     (3) The local option motor vehicle fuel tax on ((each gallon of)) motor vehicle fuel and on ((each gallon of)) special fuel is imposed upon the distributor of the fuel.
     (4) A taxable event for the purposes of this section occurs upon the first distribution of the fuel within the boundaries of the district to a retail outlet, bulk fuel user, or ultimate user of the fuel.
     (5) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.01, 82.03, and 82.32 RCW, insofar as they are applicable, apply to local option fuel taxes imposed under this section.
     (6) Before the effective date of the imposition of the fuel taxes under this section, a district must contract with the department of revenue for the administration and collection of the taxes. The contract must provide that a percentage amount, not to exceed one percent of the taxes imposed under this section, will be deposited into the local tax administration account created in the custody of the state treasurer. The department of revenue may spend money from this account, upon appropriation, for the administration of the local taxes imposed under this section.
     (7) The state treasurer must distribute monthly to the district levying the tax as part of the regional transportation investment district plan, after the deductions for payments and expenditures as provided in RCW 46.68.090(1) (a) and (b).
     (8) The proceeds of the additional taxes levied by a district in this section, to be used as a part of a regional transportation investment district plan, must be used in accordance with chapter 36.120 RCW, but only for those areas that are considered "highway purposes" as that term is construed in Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution.
     (9) A district may only levy the tax under this section if the district is comprised of boundaries identical to the boundaries of a county or counties. A district may not levy the tax in this section if a member county is levying the tax in RCW 82.80.010 or 82.80.110.

Sec. 206   RCW 82.47.010 and 1998 c 176 s 85 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((The definitions set forth in this section shall apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Motor vehicle fuel" has the meaning given in RCW 82.36.010.
     (2) "Special fuel" has the meaning given in RCW 82.38.020.
     (3) "Motor vehicle" has the meaning given in RCW 82.36.010.))
     For purposes of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, "fuel," "motor vehicle fuel," "special fuel," and "motor vehicle" have the meaning given in RCW 82.38.020.

Sec. 207   RCW 46.16A.060 and 2011 c 114 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director may not issue or renew a motor vehicle registration or change the registered owner of a registered vehicle for any motor vehicle required to be inspected under chapter 70.120 RCW, unless the application for issuance or renewal is: (a) Accompanied by a valid certificate of compliance or a valid certificate of acceptance issued as required under chapter 70.120 RCW; or (b) exempt, as described in subsection (2) of this section. The certificates must have a date of validation that is within twelve months of the assigned registration renewal date. Certificates for fleet or owner tested diesel vehicles may have a date of validation that is within twelve months of the assigned registration renewal date.
     (2) The following motor vehicles are exempt from emission test requirements:
     (a) Motor vehicles that are less than five years old or more than twenty-five years old;
     (b) Motor vehicles that are a 2009 model year or newer;
     (c) Motor vehicles powered exclusively by electricity, propane, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or liquid petroleum gas;
     (d) Motorcycles as defined in RCW 46.04.330 and motor-driven cycles as defined in RCW 46.04.332;
     (e) Farm vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.181;
     (f) Street rod vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.572 and custom vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.161;
     (g) Used vehicles that are offered for sale by a motor vehicle dealer licensed under chapter 46.70 RCW;
     (h) Classes of motor vehicles exempted by the director of the department of ecology; and
     (i) Hybrid motor vehicles that obtain a rating by the environmental protection agency of at least fifty miles per gallon of gas during city driving. For purposes of this section, a hybrid motor vehicle is one that uses propulsion units powered by both electricity and gas.
     (3) The department of ecology ((shall)) must provide information to motor vehicle owners:
     (a) Regarding the boundaries of emission contributing areas and restrictions established under this section that apply to vehicles registered in such areas; and
     (b) On the relationship between motor vehicles and air pollution and steps motor vehicle owners should take to reduce motor vehicle related air pollution.
     (4) The department of licensing ((shall)) must:
     (a) Notify all registered motor vehicle owners affected by the emission testing program that they must have an emission test to renew their registration;
     (b) Adopt rules implementing and enforcing this section, except for subsection (2)(e) of this section, as specified in chapter 34.05 RCW.
     (5) A motor vehicle may not be registered, leased, rented, or sold for use in the state, starting with the model year as provided in RCW 70.120A.010, unless the vehicle:
     (a) Has seven thousand five hundred miles or more; or
     (b)(i) Is consistent with the vehicle emission standards and carbon dioxide equivalent emission standards adopted by the department of ecology; and
     (ii) Has a California certification label for all emission standards, and carbon dioxide equivalent emission standards necessary to meet fleet average requirements.
     (6) The department of licensing, in consultation with the department of ecology, may adopt rules necessary to implement this section and may provide for reasonable exemptions to these requirements. The department of ecology may exempt public safety vehicles from meeting the standards where the department finds that vehicles necessary to meet the needs of public safety agencies are not otherwise reasonably available.

Sec. 208   RCW 46.37.467 and 1995 c 369 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Every automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor home, or off-road vehicle that is fueled by an alternative fuel source ((shall)) must bear a reflective placard issued by the national fire protection association indicating that the vehicle is so fueled. Violation of this subsection is a traffic infraction.
     (2) As used in this section "alternative fuel source" includes propane, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquid petroleum gas, or any chemically similar gas but does not include gasoline or diesel fuel.
     (3) If a placard for a specific alternative fuel source has not been issued by the national fire protection association, a placard issued by the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, ((shall be)) is required. The chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, ((shall)) must develop rules for the design, size, and placement of the placard which ((shall)) remains effective until a specific placard is issued by the national fire protection association.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 209   (1) The department of licensing must convene a work group that includes, at a minimum, representatives from the department of transportation, the trucking industry, manufacturers of compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas, and any other stakeholders as deemed necessary, for the following purposes:
     (a) To evaluate the annual license fee in lieu of fuel tax under RCW 82.38.075 to determine a fee that more closely represents the average consumption of vehicles by weight and to make recommendations to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2014, on an updated fee schedule.
     (b) To develop a transition plan to move vehicles powered by liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas from the annual license fee in lieu of fuel tax to the fuel tax under RCW 82.38.030. The transition plan must incorporate stakeholder feedback and must include draft legislation and cost and revenue estimates. The transition plan must be submitted to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2015.
     (2) The department of revenue must convene a work group that includes, at a minimum, representatives from the department of transportation, the marine shipping industry, manufacturers of liquefied natural gas, and any other stakeholders as deemed necessary, for the purpose of examining the appropriate level and manner of taxing liquefied natural gas used for marine vessel transportation. The department must make recommendations to the fiscal committees of the legislature by December 1, 2025.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 301   A new section is added to chapter 82.16 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to sales by a gas distribution business of:
     (a) Compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas, where the compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas is to be sold or used as transportation fuel; or
     (b) Natural gas from which the buyer manufactures compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas, where the compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas is to be sold or used as transportation fuel.
     (2) The exemption is available only when the buyer provides the seller with an exemption certificate in a form and manner prescribed by the department. The seller must retain a copy of the certificate for the seller's files.
     (3) For the purposes of this section, "transportation fuel" means fuel for the generation of power to propel a motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.320, a vessel as defined in RCW 88.02.310, or a locomotive or railroad car.

Sec. 302   RCW 82.04.310 and 2007 c 58 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) This chapter ((shall)) does not apply to any person in respect to a business activity with respect to which tax liability is specifically imposed under the provisions of chapter 82.16 RCW including amounts derived from activities for which a deduction is allowed under RCW 82.16.050. The exemption in this subsection does not apply to sales of natural gas, including compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas, by a gas distribution business, if such sales are exempt from the tax imposed under chapter 82.16 RCW as provided in section 301 of this act.
     (2) This chapter does not apply to amounts received by any person for the sale of electrical energy for resale within or outside the state.
     (3)(a) This chapter does not apply to amounts received by any person for the sale of natural or manufactured gas in a calendar year if that person sells within the United States a total amount of natural or manufactured gas in that calendar year that is no more than twenty percent of the amount of natural or manufactured gas that it consumes within the United States in the same calendar year.
     (b) For purposes of determining whether a person has sold within the United States a total amount of natural or manufactured gas in a calendar year that is no more than twenty percent of the amount of natural or manufactured gas that it consumes within the United States in the same calendar year, the following transfers of gas are not considered to be the sale of natural or manufactured gas:
     (i) The transfer of any natural or manufactured gas as a result of the acquisition of another business, through merger or otherwise; or
     (ii) The transfer of any natural or manufactured gas accomplished solely to comply with federal regulatory requirements imposed on the pipeline transportation of such gas when it is shipped by a third-party manager of a person's pipeline transportation.

Sec. 303   RCW 82.04.120 and 2011 c 23 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) "To manufacture" embraces all activities of a commercial or industrial nature wherein labor or skill is applied, by hand or machinery, to materials so that as a result thereof a new, different or useful substance or article of tangible personal property is produced for sale or commercial or industrial use, and includes:
     (a) The production or fabrication of special made or custom made articles;
     (b) The production or fabrication of dental appliances, devices, restorations, substitutes, or other dental laboratory products by a dental laboratory or dental technician;
     (c) Cutting, delimbing, and measuring of felled, cut, or taken trees; ((and))
     (d) Crushing and/or blending of rock, sand, stone, gravel, or ore; and
     (e) The production of compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas for use as a transportation fuel as defined in section 301 of this act.
     (2) "To manufacture" does not include:
     (a) Conditioning of seed for use in planting; cubing hay or alfalfa;
     (b) Activities which consist of cutting, grading, or ice glazing seafood which has been cooked, frozen, or canned outside this state;
     (c) The growing, harvesting, or producing of agricultural products;
     (d) Packing of agricultural products, including sorting, washing, rinsing, grading, waxing, treating with fungicide, packaging, chilling, or placing in controlled atmospheric storage;
     (e) The production of digital goods;
     (f) The production of computer software if the computer software is delivered from the seller to the purchaser by means other than tangible storage media, including the delivery by use of a tangible storage media where the tangible storage media is not physically transferred to the purchaser; and
     (g) Except as provided in subsection (1)(e) of this section, any activity that is integral to any public service business as defined in RCW 82.16.010 and with respect to which the gross income associated with such activity: (i) Is subject to tax under chapter 82.16 RCW; or (ii) would be subject to tax under chapter 82.16 RCW if such activity were conducted in this state or if not for an exemption or deduction.
     (3) With respect to wastewater treatment facilities:
     (a) "To manufacture" does not include the treatment of wastewater, the production of reclaimed water, and the production of class B biosolids; and
     (b) "To manufacture" does include the production of class A or exceptional quality biosolids, but only with respect to the processing activities that occur after the biosolids have reached class B standards.

Sec. 304   RCW 82.12.022 and 2011 c 174 s 304 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A use tax is levied on every person in this state for the privilege of using natural gas or manufactured gas, including compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas, within this state as a consumer.
     (2) The tax must be levied and collected in an amount equal to the value of the article used by the taxpayer multiplied by the rate in effect for the public utility tax on gas distribution businesses under RCW 82.16.020. The "value of the article used" does not include any amounts that are paid for the hire or use of a gas distribution business as defined in RCW 82.16.010(2) in transporting the gas subject to tax under this subsection if those amounts are subject to tax under that chapter.
     (3) The tax levied in this section does not apply to the use of natural or manufactured gas delivered to the consumer by other means than through a pipeline.
     (4) The tax levied in this section does not apply to the use of natural or manufactured gas if the person who sold the gas to the consumer has paid a tax under RCW 82.16.020 with respect to the gas for which exemption is sought under this subsection.
     (5)(a) The tax levied in this section does not apply to the use of natural or manufactured gas by an aluminum smelter as that term is defined in RCW 82.04.217 before January 1, 2017.
     (b) A person claiming the exemption provided in this subsection (5) must file a complete annual report with the department under RCW 82.32.534.
     (6) The tax imposed by this section does not apply to the use of natural gas, compressed natural gas, or liquefied natural gas, if the consumer uses the gas for transportation fuel as defined in section 301 of this act.
     (7) There is a credit against the tax levied under this section in an amount equal to any tax paid by:
     (a) The person who sold the gas to the consumer when that tax is a gross receipts tax similar to that imposed pursuant to RCW 82.16.020 by another state with respect to the gas for which a credit is sought under this subsection; or
     (b) The person consuming the gas upon which a use tax similar to the tax imposed by this section was paid to another state with respect to the gas for which a credit is sought under this subsection.
     (((7))) (8) The use tax imposed in this section must be paid by the consumer to the department.
     (((8))) (9) There is imposed a reporting requirement on the person who delivered the gas to the consumer to make a quarterly report to the department. Such report must contain the volume of gas delivered, name of the consumer to whom delivered, and such other information as the department may require by rule.
     (((9))) (10) The department may adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW for the administration and enforcement of sections 1 through 6, chapter 384, Laws of 1989.

Sec. 305   RCW 82.14.230 and 2010 c 127 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The governing body of any city, while not required by legislative mandate to do so, may, by resolution or ordinance for the purposes authorized by this chapter, fix and impose on every person a use tax for the privilege of using natural gas or manufactured gas in the city as a consumer.
     (2) The tax is imposed in an amount equal to the value of the article used by the taxpayer multiplied by the rate in effect for the tax on natural gas businesses under RCW 35.21.870 in the city in which the article is used. The "value of the article used," does not include any amounts that are paid for the hire or use of a natural gas business in transporting the gas subject to tax under this subsection if those amounts are subject to tax under RCW 35.21.870.
     (3) The tax imposed under this section does not apply to the use of natural or manufactured gas if the person who sold the gas to the consumer has paid a tax under RCW 35.21.870 with respect to the gas for which exemption is sought under this subsection.
     (4) There is a credit against the tax levied under this section in an amount equal to any tax paid by:
     (a) The person who sold the gas to the consumer when that tax is a gross receipts tax similar to that imposed pursuant to RCW 35.21.870 by another municipality or other unit of local government with respect to the gas for which a credit is sought under this subsection; or
     (b) The person consuming the gas upon which a use tax similar to the tax imposed by this section was paid to another municipality or other unit of local government with respect to the gas for which a credit is sought under this subsection.
     (5) The use tax imposed must be paid by the consumer. The administration and collection of the tax imposed is pursuant to RCW 82.14.050.
     (6) The tax authorized by this section does not apply to the use of natural gas, compressed natural gas, or liquefied natural gas, if the consumer uses the gas for transportation fuel as defined in section 301 of this act.

Sec. 306   RCW 35.21.870 and 1984 c 225 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) No city or town may impose a tax on the privilege of conducting an electrical energy, natural gas, steam energy, or telephone business at a rate which exceeds six percent unless the rate is first approved by a majority of the voters of the city or town voting on such a proposition.
     (2)(a) If a city or town is imposing a rate of tax under subsection (1) of this section in excess of six percent on April 20, 1982, the city or town ((shall)) must decrease the rate to a rate of six percent or less by reducing the rate each year on or before November 1st by ordinances to be effective on January 1st of the succeeding year, by an amount equal to one-tenth the difference between the tax rate on April 20, 1982, and six percent.
     (b) Nothing in this subsection prohibits a city or town from reducing its rates by amounts greater than the amounts required in this subsection.
     (3) Voter approved rate increases under subsection (1) of this section ((shall)) may not be included in the computations under this subsection.
     (4) No city or town may impose a tax on the privilege of conducting a natural gas business with respect to sales that are exempt from the tax imposed under chapter 82.16 RCW as provided in section 301 of this act at a rate higher than its business and occupation tax rate on the sale of tangible personal property or, if the city or town does not impose a business and occupation tax on the sale of tangible personal property, at a rate greater than .002.

Sec. 307   RCW 82.14.030 and 2008 c 86 s 101 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The governing body of any county or city, while not required by legislative mandate to do so, may, by resolution or ordinance for the purposes authorized by this chapter, impose a sales and use tax in accordance with the terms of this chapter. Such tax ((shall)) must be collected from those persons who are taxable by the state under chapters 82.08 and 82.12 RCW, upon the occurrence of any taxable event within the county or city as the case may be. ((Except as provided in RCW 82.14.230,)) This sales and use tax ((shall)) does not apply to natural or manufactured gas, except for natural gas that is used as a transportation fuel as defined in section 301 of this act and is taxable by the state under chapters 82.08 and 82.12 RCW. The rate of such tax imposed by a county ((shall be)) is five-tenths of one percent of the selling price (in the case of a sales tax) or value of the article used (in the case of a use tax). The rate of such tax imposed by a city ((shall)) may not exceed five-tenths of one percent of the selling price (in the case of a sales tax) or value of the article used (in the case of a use tax). However, in the event a county imposes a sales and use tax under this subsection, the rate of such tax imposed under this subsection by any city therein ((shall)) may not exceed four hundred and twenty-five one-thousandths of one percent.
     (2) In addition to the tax authorized in subsection (1) of this section, the governing body of any county or city may by resolution or ordinance impose an additional sales and use tax in accordance with the terms of this chapter. Such additional tax ((shall)) must be collected upon the same taxable events upon which the tax imposed under subsection (1) of this section is imposed. The rate of such additional tax imposed by a county ((shall be)) is up to five-tenths of one percent of the selling price (in the case of a sales tax) or value of the article used (in the case of a use tax). The rate of such additional tax imposed by a city ((shall be)) is up to five-tenths of one percent of the selling price (in the case of a sales tax) or value of the article used (in the case of a use tax). However, in the event a county imposes a sales and use tax under the authority of this subsection at a rate equal to or greater than the rate imposed under the authority of this subsection by a city within the county, the county ((shall)) must receive fifteen percent of the city tax. In the event that the county imposes a sales and use tax under the authority of this subsection at a rate which is less than the rate imposed under this subsection by a city within the county, the county ((shall)) must receive that amount of revenues from the city tax equal to fifteen percent of the rate of tax imposed by the county under the authority of this subsection. The authority to impose a tax under this subsection is intended in part to compensate local government for any losses from the phase-out of the property tax on business inventories.

Sec. 401   RCW 82.08.02565 and 2011 c 23 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) The tax levied by RCW 82.08.020 does not apply to sales to a manufacturer or processor for hire of machinery and equipment used directly in a manufacturing operation or research and development operation, to sales to a person engaged in testing for a manufacturer or processor for hire of machinery and equipment used directly in a testing operation, or to sales of or charges made for labor and services rendered in respect to installing, repairing, cleaning, altering, or improving the machinery and equipment.
     (b) Except as provided in (c) of this subsection, sellers making tax-exempt sales under this section must obtain from the purchaser an exemption certificate in a form and manner prescribed by the department by rule. The seller must retain a copy of the certificate for the seller's files.
     (c)(i) The exemption under this section is in the form of a remittance for a gas distribution business, as defined in RCW 82.16.010, claiming the exemption for machinery and equipment used for the production of compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas for use as a transportation fuel.
     (ii) A gas distribution business claiming an exemption from state and local tax in the form of a remittance under this section must pay the tax under RCW 82.08.020 and all applicable local sales taxes. Beginning July 1, 2017, the gas distribution business may then apply to the department for remittance of state and local sales and use taxes. A gas distribution business may not apply for a remittance more frequently than once a quarter. The gas distribution business must specify the amount of exempted tax claimed and the qualifying purchases for which the exemption is claimed. The gas distribution business must retain, in adequate detail, records to enable the department to determine whether the business is entitled to an exemption under this section, including: Invoices; proof of tax paid; and documents describing the machinery and equipment.
     (iii) The department must determine eligibility under this section based on the information provided by the gas distribution business, which is subject to audit verification by the department. The department must on a quarterly basis remit exempted amounts to qualifying businesses who submitted applications during the previous quarter.
     (iv) Beginning July 1, 2028, a gas distribution business may not apply for a refund under this section or RCW 82.12.02565.
     (2) For purposes of this section and RCW 82.12.02565:
     (a) "Machinery and equipment" means industrial fixtures, devices, and support facilities, and tangible personal property that becomes an ingredient or component thereof, including repair parts and replacement parts. "Machinery and equipment" includes pollution control equipment installed and used in a manufacturing operation, testing operation, or research and development operation to prevent air pollution, water pollution, or contamination that might otherwise result from the manufacturing operation, testing operation, or research and development operation. "Machinery and equipment" also includes digital goods.
     (b) "Machinery and equipment" does not include:
     (i) Hand-powered tools;
     (ii) Property with a useful life of less than one year;
     (iii) Buildings, other than machinery and equipment that is permanently affixed to or becomes a physical part of a building; and
     (iv) Building fixtures that are not integral to the manufacturing operation, testing operation, or research and development operation that are permanently affixed to and become a physical part of a building, such as utility systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, communications, plumbing, or electrical.
     (c) Machinery and equipment is "used directly" in a manufacturing operation, testing operation, or research and development operation if the machinery and equipment:
     (i) Acts upon or interacts with an item of tangible personal property;
     (ii) Conveys, transports, handles, or temporarily stores an item of tangible personal property at the manufacturing site or testing site;
     (iii) Controls, guides, measures, verifies, aligns, regulates, or tests tangible personal property at the site or away from the site;
     (iv) Provides physical support for or access to tangible personal property;
     (v) Produces power for, or lubricates machinery and equipment;
     (vi) Produces another item of tangible personal property for use in the manufacturing operation, testing operation, or research and development operation;
     (vii) Places tangible personal property in the container, package, or wrapping in which the tangible personal property is normally sold or transported; or
     (viii) Is integral to research and development as defined in RCW 82.63.010.
     (d) "Manufacturer" means a person that qualifies as a manufacturer under RCW 82.04.110. "Manufacturer" also includes a person that prints newspapers or other materials.
     (e) "Manufacturing" means only those activities that come within the definition of "to manufacture" in RCW 82.04.120 and are taxed as manufacturing or processing for hire under chapter 82.04 RCW, or would be taxed as such if such activity were conducted in this state or if not for an exemption or deduction. "Manufacturing" also includes printing newspapers or other materials. An activity is not taxed as manufacturing or processing for hire under chapter 82.04 RCW if the activity is within the purview of chapter 82.16 RCW.
     (f) "Manufacturing operation" means the manufacturing of articles, substances, or commodities for sale as tangible personal property. A manufacturing operation begins at the point where the raw materials enter the manufacturing site and ends at the point where the processed material leaves the manufacturing site. With respect to the production of class A or exceptional quality biosolids by a wastewater treatment facility, the manufacturing operation begins at the point where class B biosolids undergo additional processing to achieve class A or exceptional quality standards. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, the term also includes that portion of a cogeneration project that is used to generate power for consumption within the manufacturing site of which the cogeneration project is an integral part. The term does not include the preparation of food products on the premises of a person selling food products at retail.
     (g) "Cogeneration" means the simultaneous generation of electrical energy and low-grade heat from the same fuel.
     (h) "Research and development operation" means engaging in research and development as defined in RCW 82.63.010 by a manufacturer or processor for hire.
     (i) "Testing" means activities performed to establish or determine the properties, qualities, and limitations of tangible personal property.
     (j) "Testing operation" means the testing of tangible personal property for a manufacturer or processor for hire. A testing operation begins at the point where the tangible personal property enters the testing site and ends at the point where the tangible personal property leaves the testing site. The term also includes the testing of tangible personal property for use in that portion of a cogeneration project that is used to generate power for consumption within the manufacturing site of which the cogeneration project is an integral part. The term does not include the testing of tangible personal property for use in the production of electricity by a light and power business as defined in RCW 82.16.010 or the preparation of food products on the premises of a person selling food products at retail.

Sec. 402   RCW 82.12.02565 and 2003 c 5 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The provisions of this chapter ((shall)) do not apply in respect to the use by a manufacturer or processor for hire of machinery and equipment used directly in a manufacturing operation or research and development operation, to the use by a person engaged in testing for a manufacturer or processor for hire of machinery and equipment used directly in a testing operation, or to the use of labor and services rendered in respect to installing, repairing, cleaning, altering, or improving the machinery and equipment.
     (2) The definitions, conditions, and requirements in RCW 82.08.02565 apply to this section.

Sec. 403   RCW 82.14.050 and 2012 1st sp.s. c 9 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The counties, cities, and transportation authorities under RCW 82.14.045, public facilities districts under chapters 36.100 and 35.57 RCW, public transportation benefit areas under RCW 82.14.440, regional transportation investment districts, and transportation benefit districts under chapter 36.73 RCW must contract, prior to the effective date of a resolution or ordinance imposing a sales and use tax, the administration and collection to the state department of revenue, which must deduct a percentage amount, as provided by contract, not to exceed two percent of the taxes collected for administration and collection expenses incurred by the department. The remainder of any portion of any tax authorized by this chapter that is collected by the department of revenue must be deposited by the state department of revenue in the local sales and use tax account hereby created in the state treasury. Beginning January 1, 2013, the department of revenue must make deposits in the local sales and use tax account on a monthly basis on the last business day of the month in which distributions required in (a) of this subsection are due. Moneys in the local sales and use tax account may be withdrawn only for:
     (a) Distribution to counties, cities, transportation authorities, public facilities districts, public transportation benefit areas, regional transportation investment districts, and transportation benefit districts imposing a sales and use tax; and
     (b) Making refunds of taxes imposed under the authority of this chapter and RCW 81.104.170 and exempted under RCW 82.08.962 ((and)), 82.12.962, 82.08.02565, and 82.12.02565.
     (2) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.03, 82.08, 82.12, and 82.32 RCW, as they now exist or may hereafter be amended, insofar as they are applicable to state sales and use taxes, are applicable to taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter.
     (3) Counties, cities, transportation authorities, public facilities districts, and regional transportation investment districts may not conduct independent sales or use tax audits of sellers registered under the streamlined sales tax agreement.
     (4) Except as provided in RCW 43.08.190 and subsection (5) of this section, all earnings of investments of balances in the local sales and use tax account must be credited to the local sales and use tax account and distributed to the counties, cities, transportation authorities, public facilities districts, public transportation benefit areas, regional transportation investment districts, and transportation benefit districts monthly.
     (5) Beginning January 1, 2013, the state treasurer must determine the amount of earnings on investments that would have been credited to the local sales and use tax account if the collections had been deposited in the account over the prior month. When distributions are made under subsection (1)(a) of this section, the state treasurer must transfer this amount from the state general fund to the local sales and use tax account and must distribute such sums to the counties, cities, transportation authorities, public facilities districts, public transportation benefit areas, regional transportation investment districts, and transportation benefit districts.

Sec. 404   RCW 82.14.060 and 2009 c 469 s 108 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) Monthly, the state treasurer must distribute from the local sales and use tax account to the counties, cities, transportation authorities, public facilities districts, and transportation benefit districts the amount of tax collected on behalf of each taxing authority, less:
     (i) The deduction provided for in RCW 82.14.050; and
     (ii) The amount of any refunds of local sales and use taxes exempted under RCW 82.08.962 ((and)), 82.12.962, 82.08.02565, and 82.12.02565, which must be made without appropriation.
     (b) The state treasurer ((shall)) must make the distribution under this section without appropriation.
     (2) In the event that any ordinance or resolution imposes a sales and use tax at a rate in excess of the applicable limits contained herein, such ordinance or resolution ((shall)) may not be considered void in toto, but only with respect to that portion of the rate which is in excess of the applicable limits contained herein.

Sec. 405   RCW 82.08.0261 and 1980 c 37 s 28 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the tax levied by RCW 82.08.020 ((shall)) does not apply to sales of tangible personal property (other than the type referred to in RCW 82.08.0262) for use by the purchaser in connection with the business of operating as a private or common carrier by air, rail, or water in interstate or foreign commerce((: PROVIDED, That)). However, any actual use of such property in this state ((shall)) is, at the time of such actual use, ((be)) subject to the tax imposed by chapter 82.12 RCW.
     (2)(a) With respect to the sale of liquefied natural gas to a business operating as a private or common carrier by water in interstate or foreign commerce, the buyer is entitled to a partial exemption from the tax levied by RCW 82.08.020 and the associated local sales taxes. The exemption under this subsection (2) is for the state and local retail sales taxes on ninety percent of the amount of the liquefied natural gas transported and consumed outside this state by the buyer.
     (b) Sellers are relieved of the obligation to collect the state and local retail sales taxes on sales eligible for the partial exemption provided in this subsection (2) to buyers who are registered with the department if the seller:
     (i) Obtains a completed exemption certificate from the buyer, which must include the buyer's tax registration number with the department; or
     (ii) Captures the relevant data elements as allowed under the streamlined sales and use tax agreement, including the buyer's tax registration number with the department.
     (c) Buyers entitled to a partial exemption under this subsection (2) must either:
     (i) Pay the full amount of state and local retail sales tax to the seller on the sale, including the amount of tax qualifying for exemption under this subsection (2), and then request a refund of the exempted portion of the tax from the department within the time allowed for making refunds under RCW 82.32.060; or
     (ii) If the seller did not collect the retail sales tax from the buyer, remit to the department the state and local retail sales taxes due on all liquefied natural gas consumed in this state and on ten percent of the liquefied natural gas that is transported and consumed outside of this state.
     (3) This section does not apply to the sale of liquefied natural gas on or after July 1, 2028, for use as fuel in any marine vessel.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 406   A new section is added to chapter 82.32 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) By the last workday of the second and fourth calendar quarters, the state treasurer must transfer the amount specified in subsection (2) of this section from the general fund to the motor vehicle fund established under RCW 46.68.070. The first transfer under this subsection must occur by December 31, 2017.
     (2) By December 15th and by June 15th of each year, the department must estimate the increase in state general fund revenues from the taxes collected under RCW 82.08.0261(2)(a) on the nonexempt portion of liquefied natural gas sales in the current and prior calendar quarters and notify the state treasurer of the increase.
     (3) This section expires July 1, 2028.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 407   A new section is added to chapter 43.135 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) RCW 43.135.034(4) does not apply to the transfers under section 406 of this act.
     (2) This section expires July 1, 2028.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 408   A new section is added to chapter 39.42 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The purpose of eliminating a portion of the sales tax exemption under RCW 82.08.0261 for liquefied natural gas sold for use as a marine vessel transportation fuel is to support the Washington state ferries and other state highway system needs. For this reason, general state revenues transferred under section 406 of this act to the motor vehicle fund are excluded from the calculation of general state revenues for purposes of Article VIII, section 1 of the state Constitution and RCW 39.42.130 and 39.42.140.
     (2) This section expires July 1, 2028.

Sec. 501   RCW 80.28.280 and 1991 c 199 s 216 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas offers significant potential to reduce vehicle and vessel emissions and to significantly decrease dependence on petroleum-based fuels. The legislature also finds that well-developed and convenient refueling systems are imperative if compressed natural gas ((is)) and liquefied natural gas are to be widely used by the public. The legislature declares that the development of compressed natural gas ((refueling stations are in the public interest.)) and liquefied natural gas motor vehicle refueling stations and vessel refueling facilities are in the public interest. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, nothing in this section and RCW 80.28.290 is intended to alter the regulatory practices of the commission or allow the subsidization of one ratepayer class by another.
     (2) When a liquefied natural gas facility owned by a natural gas company serves both a private customer operating marine vessels and the Washington state ferries or any other public entity, the rate charged by the natural gas company to the Washington state ferries or other public entity may not be more than the rate charged to the private customer operating marine vessels.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 601   This act takes effect July 1, 2015.