Local Franchise Authority (SB 6003)

This bill replaces local franchise authority for video services (cable television) with a state franchise authority at the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission. The bill also prohibits build-out requirements and calls for a more restrictive definition of gross revenue than many cities use today.

A hearing on the bill took place on Tuesday, February 20 in the Senate Water, Energy & Telecommunications Committee. Cities were well represented by Mayor Bill Baarsma of Tacoma, David Kerr of Bellevue, Judy Devall of Toppenish and Jill Novik of Seattle. Most speakers were against the bill, which was brought forth by Qwest. Overall, cities are strenuously opposed to the proposal and have communicated their concerns to all members of this Senate committee.

Scrap Metal Theft (SB 5312/HB 1251)

These two bills are still in their respective policy committees. There have been many discussions about the approach the bills are taking versus the interests of the scrap dealers. The Utility Coalition (which includes cities) is most interested in slowing down the cash flow from the sale of stolen metal property, which would be a disincentive to metal theft in the first place. Conversely, the scrap dealers have said in public meetings they are concerned about an excessive process and want to continue to pay customers in cash at the time of sale. Cities have been told the House bill will be moved out of committee this week. The Coalition is working to get the Senate bill moving as well.

Studying Pipeline Capacity in Southwest Washington (HB 2206)

The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) is proposing to study hazardous liquid (gasoline, diesel and jet fuel) pipeline capacity in southwest Washington State. Currently, a 14-inch pipe runs from approximately south King County to Portland, Oregon, delivering about 12 million gallons of fuel a day. The pipeline was finished in 1970 and runs through numerous cities and counties.

In this bill, EFSEC will look at capacity constraints, demand, and projected growth in southwest Washington which may have an impact on future demand. EFSEC will also have the authority to examine other pipeline systems that have an impact on supply to southwest Washington, and they must make recommendations to the legislature by the end of 2007. Pipeline upgrades will definitely impact cities along the route; therefore, AWC will monitor this bill and the subsequent study should the bill pass.

Requiring a Survey of Broadband Deployment (SB 5120)

This Governor-request legislation would require the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development to commission a survey on the deployment of broadband technologies among households in the state. The purpose of the survey is to identify any broadband deployment disparities in the state. The survey must also produce a profile of the following:

Households and businesses in the state with no available broadband options;
Households and businesses in the state with access to broadband options, but who choose not to purchase an option; and
Purposes for which broadband is used by households and businesses in the state.

The survey is due to the Legislature by December 31, 2007.

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