Aiming to lessen the cost of providing services for low-income persons, a new proposal from Rep. Cortes (D–Everett) permits municipal utilities to waive connection charges for designated properties. As drafted, HB 1326 allows municipal utilities to waive connection charges for properties used by a nonprofit organization, a public development authority, a housing authority, a local agency, or any other legal entity that provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or affordable housing.

According to the bill, "utility service" includes, but is not limited to, water, sanitary or storm sewer service, electricity, gas, other means of power, and heat.

AWC is currently working to clarify that utility connection waivers are only applicable to nonprofit organizations. Our request is intended to ensure the legislation avoids conflicts with restrictions on the gifting of public funds.

Date to remember

HB 1326 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Local Government Committee on Tuesday, January 24 at 10:30 am.