SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6179
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:
Energy, Environment & Technology, January 18, 2018
Title: An act relating to the annual reporting requirements for regulated utility and transportation companies.
Brief Description: Concerning the annual reporting requirements for regulated utility and transportation companies.
Sponsors: Senators Carlyle, Ranker, Hunt and Sheldon; by request of Utilities & Transportation Commission.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Energy, Environment & Technology: 1/11/18, 1/18/18 [DP, w/oRec].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & TECHNOLOGY |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Carlyle, Chair; Palumbo, Vice Chair; Hawkins, Hobbs, McCoy, Ranker, Sheldon and Wellman.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators Ericksen, Ranking Member; Brown.
Staff: Angela Kleis (786-7469)
Background: Under current law, the Commission regulates the rates, services, facilities, and practices of all public utility service businesses or commodities that operate for compensation within Washington.
Companies are required to file an annual report with the Commission by a due date determined by the Commission. The annual reports must include certain financial and safety data such as:
investment data;
employee salaries and statistics;
the character and costs of improvement; and
a complete exhibit of the financial operations of the company for each year.
The Commission is authorized to assess a penalty of $100 per day on companies that fail to meet the set due date.
Summary of Bill: Certain annual report requirements for financial and safety data are removed.
If a company fails to file an annual report with the Commission by the set due date, the company will be assessed a penalty as follows:
$250 for a report filed 1-30 days past due;
$500 for a report filed 31-60 days past due;
$1,000 for a report filed 61-90 days past due; or
cancellation or revocation of operating authority and additional penalties upon notice from the Commission.
The Commission may waive the assessed penalties if a company is able to demonstrate that an annual report was filed past due because of circumstances beyond the company's control. A company must request a waiver within 15 days after a penalty is assessed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Commission requested legislation that streamlines the annual reporting process. The bill creates a more efficient and transparent enforcement structure that reduces the financial and administrative burden on both the industry and the Commission.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jon Noski, Legislative Director, Utilities & Transportation Commission.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.