SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5347
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 February 4, 2019
Title: An act relating to claims about climate change made by electric utilities.
Brief Description: Concerning claims about climate change made by electric utilities.
Sponsors: Senator Ericksen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Environment, Energy & Technology: 2/06/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY |
Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)
Background: False or misleading advertising by mail, telephone, electronic communication, or door-to-door contacts is a misdemeanor under state law. Any person who falsely advertises is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both.
Summary of Bill: It is unlawful for an electric utility to advertise or offer any benefit, program or service in terms that indicate the benefit, program, or service will prevent, reverse, slow, or in any similar way affect climate change.
However, it is not unlawful if the electric utility provides a detailed description of the discernable and quantifiable effects the benefit, program, or service will have in relation to global climate change. The description must disclose the discernable and quantifiable effects on global climate change attributable to the average individual customer who uses the benefit, program, or service.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2019.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.