HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6802

BYSenators Sellar, Vognild, Benitz, Bailey and McCaslin

Changing provisions relating to reduced utility rates for low income disabled citizens.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Majority Report:  Do pass. (11)

      Signed by Representatives Nelson, Chair; H. Myers, Vice Chair; Hankins, Ranking Republican Member; Bennett, Brooks, Cooper, Gallagher, Jacobsen, May, Miller and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Harry Reinert (786-7110)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 2, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Local governments and other public entities that operate utilities may provide reduced rats to low- income senior citizens and low-income disabled individuals.

General purpose local governments, including counties, cities and towns, may set their own definitions for the purpose of providing reduced utility rates for low-income senior citizens or low-income disabled citizens. Public utility districts may only provide reduced rates to persons who meet criteria established by the Legislature.  These criteria include disabled persons who qualify for special parking privileges and the blind.

SUMMARY:

The definition of low-income disabled persons who may receive reduced rates from public utility districts is expanded to include any low-income persons who qualify as being disabled, handicapped, or incapacitated under any existing state or federal program.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 29, 1990.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Sellar, prime sponsor; Mae Stork, Sno Am1 Snohomish County Advocates; Tom Mortimer, Washington PUD Association; Phyllis McGavick, Snohomish County PUD; and Henry Yates, Seattle City Light.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    There are a number of low-income disabled individuals who do not qualify for disabled parking permits and therefore do not qualify for reduced utility rates. This bill will provide assistance to additional individuals who are living on limited incomes.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.