by
<a href="mailto:candiceb@awcnet.org">Candice Bock</a>, <a href="mailto:andrewp@awcnet.org">Andrew Pittelkau</a> | Mar 18, 2019
<a target="_blank" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5024&Initiative=false&Year=2019"><strong>ESSB 5024</strong></a><strong> </strong>was amended and passed out of the Senate.
ESSB 5024 was amended and passed out of the Senate. The bill requires utilities to disclose all state and local tax rates and the method by which the taxes are applied to the charges billed to the customer. The amended version significantly reduces the impact of compliance from the original bill. Cities had expressed concerns with the original version and how it would increase costs.
Under the new version of the bill municipal utilities and utility districts must indicate the rate and how it is applied:
- On regular billing statements; or
- On their website; or
- Through a billing insert, mailer, or electronic communication be sent to customers at least once a year or within 30 days of rate changes.
The effective date is 90 days after the Legislature adjourns. Some cities have indicated that the 90-day timeline for jurisdictions to implement ESSB 5024 will be a challenge.
The bill has been referred to the House Local Government Committee.