02/19/2007 03:00 PM House LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR8 | |
| HB116 | |
| HB28 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 116 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 28 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HJR 8 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
February 19, 2007
3:05 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Kurt Olson, Chair
Representative Mark Neuman, Vice Chair
Representative Carl Gatto
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux
Representative Jay Ramras
Representative Robert L. "Bob" Buch
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Berta Gardner
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8
Opposing the enactment by the Washington State Legislature of a
bill proposing to impose a fee on the processing of shipping
containers in the State of Washington because of the negative
impact of the fee on the people and the economy of this state.
- MOVED CSHJR 8(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 116
"An Act relating to the use of broadcasting to promote
charitable raffles and lotteries."
- MOVED HB 116 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 28
"An Act requiring retail suppliers of electricity to disclose
sources of electricity to consumers."
- HEARD AND HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HJR 8
SHORT TITLE: WASHINGTON CONTAINER FEE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) THOMAS
02/07/07 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/07/07 (H) TRA, L&C
02/15/07 (H) TRA AT 1:30 PM CAPITOL 17
02/15/07 (H) Moved CSHJR 8(TRA) Out of Committee
02/15/07 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
02/16/07 (H) L&C AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 17
02/16/07 (H) <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 02/19/07>
02/19/07 (H) L&C AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: HB 116
SHORT TITLE: BROADCASTING PROMOTING CHARITABLE GAMING
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) JOHANSEN
02/01/07 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/01/07 (H) L&C, STA
02/19/07 (H) L&C AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: HB 28
SHORT TITLE: POWER SOURCE DISCLOSURE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) RAMRAS
01/16/07 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/5/07
01/16/07 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/07 (H) L&C, FIN
02/19/07 (H) L&C AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 17
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE BILL THOMAS
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HJR 8.
KACI SCHROEDER-HOTCH, Staff
to Representative Bill Thomas
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on
HJR 8, on behalf of Representative Thomas, sponsor.
EVERETT BILLINGSLEA, Vice President of Administrative & Legal
Affairs
Lynden, Inc.
Seattle, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during hearing on HJR 8.
REPRESENTATIVE KYLE JOHANSEN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 116.
RANDY RUARO, Staff
to Representative Kyle Johansen
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
116 on behalf of Representative Johansen, sponsor.
BOB KERN, President
TLP Communications, Inc.;
Commissioner
Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission (APBC)
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 116.
JULIE SLANAKER, Rainy Day Quilter's Guild;
Ketchikan Little League
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 116.
DENNIS BOOKIE, General Manager
Anchorage Media Group
Morris Communications Company, LLC
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 116.
DENNIS EGAN, President & General Manager
Alaska Juneau Communications
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 116.
BARBARA COTTING, Staff
to Representative Jay Ramras
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 28 on behalf of Representative
Ramras, sponsor.
JAMES KEEN, Chief/Engineering
Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA)
Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development
(DCCED)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during hearing on HB 28.
RICHARD GAZAWAY, Common Carrier Specialist
Common Carrier Section
Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA)
Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development
(DCCED)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during hearing on HB 28.
ACTION NARRATIVE
CHAIR KURT OLSON called the House Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:05:04 PM. Representatives
Gatto, LeDoux, Buch, Neuman, and Olson were present at the call
to order. Representative Ramras arrived as the meeting was in
progress.
HJR 8-WASHINGTON CONTAINER FEE
CHAIR OLSON announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8, Opposing the enactment by the
Washington State Legislature of a bill proposing to impose a fee
on the processing of shipping containers in the State of
Washington because of the negative impact of the fee on the
people and the economy of this state.
3:05:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BILL THOMAS, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of
HJR 8, stated that he represents House District 5. He gave a
brief description of the aforementioned district.
3:06:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN made a motion to adopt [CSHJR 8, Version
25-LS0533\E, Bullock, 2/15/07] as the working document. There
being no objection, [Version E] was before the committee.
3:06:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS explained that HJR 8 is a resolution
opposing the "shipping container tax" which is currently be
considered by the Washington State Legislature. Alaska has been
a "trading partner" with the state of Washington for over 100
years. Washington State is considered the "gateway to Alaska,"
and in 2003, Alaska was the Puget Sound's fifth largest trading
partner. This economic relationship is responsible for an
estimated 103,500 jobs and over $4 billion in labor earnings.
He explained that 97 percent of the weight shipped to Alaska is
shipped via water. He opined that addressing the aforementioned
shipping container tax is critical to the state of Alaska. This
tax would be apply to shipping containers traveling to and from
Washington State, at a rate of $50 per twenty-foot equivalent.
He pointed out that this would mean an additional $100 per 20-
foot van, and $200 per 40-foot van. Additionally, Alaska Marine
Lines (AML) utilizes a 53-foot van, which would result in a
higher tax.
REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS explained that the majority of communities
in his district are fishing communities, and would be negatively
impacted be the proposed tax. He opined that this additional
cost would be devastating, pointing out a community with an
unemployment rate of 87 percent. Some communities have gas
costs as high as $6 per gallon.
3:10:13 PM
KACI SCHROEDER-HOTCH, Staff to Representative Bill Thomas,
Alaska State Legislature, sponsor, explained that the Washington
State Legislature refers legislation to only one committee,
taking public testimony during the first hearing. All following
hearings are "executive sessions," allowing the public to
listen; however, they may not testify. She pointed out that the
opportunity for testimony on this issue has passed.
CHAIR OLSON expressed his intention to move the bill on to its
next committee of referral, due to its time sensitive nature.
3:11:12 PM
EVERETT BILLINGSLEA, Vice President of Administrative and Legal
Affairs, Lynden Transport, in response to a question from Chair
Olson, agreed that he is in support of the resolution.
REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS pointed out that a recent estimation shows
that the proposed tax would have a $40-$50 million impact
statewide. He opined that this would be "catastrophic."
3:11:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO asked for more information regarding
California and its role in the proposed shipping container tax.
REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS offered his understanding that California
passed similar legislation; however, this was vetoed by the
Governor. An additional attempt to pass this legislation is
expected. He explained that when the Washington House of
Representatives holds a hearing on this issue, a representative
from Alaska will be present to testify. In response to an
additional question, he explained that California and Washington
State are attempting to tax shipping containers from China and
Japan. Alaska is "an innocent bystander." He offered his
understanding that the additional funds would be used for
improvements to the transportation system in Washington State.
3:15:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS stated that he is in support of HJR 8. He
inquired as to the legality of the proposed shipping container
tax, in regard to inter-state trade laws.
REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS offered his understanding that the
proposed tax is legal, as it would apply to all parties bringing
containers in or out of Washington State.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO offered his understanding that according to
the Constitution of the United States, barriers to inter-state
commerce are prohibited. He questioned whether the shipping
container tax would be considered a "barrier."
MS. SCHROEDER-HOTCH replied that there are some legal concerns.
HJR 8 recommends that the attorney general research these issues
in preparation for any federal injunctions that may be
necessary, should the legislation pass.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX pointed out that the tax effects cargo
both in and out of Washington State, which would also effect
Washington State residents. She opined that if the tax is not
considered to be in violation with the inter-state commerce
laws, this may be why.
CHAIR OLSON reiterated his intent to move the bill.
3:17:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN moved to report CSHJR 8, Version 25-
LS0533\E, Bullock, 2/15/07, out of committee with individual
recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being
no objection, CSHJR 8(L&C) was reported from the House Labor and
Commerce Standing Committee.
3:18:14 PM
HB 116-BROADCASTING PROMOTING CHARITABLE GAMING
CHAIR OLSON announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 116, "An Act relating to the use of broadcasting
to promote charitable raffles and lotteries."
3:18:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KYLE JOHANSEN, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor,
explained that HB 116 would allow lawful charitable
organizations to advertise charitable "gaming" activities on
television and radio. Currently, these organizations may only
promote using newsprint. In 1988, the federal gaming law was
amended, giving states the option to allow charitable
organizations to promote raffles on radio or television. He
went on to say that 48 states have exercised this option. HB
116 would benefit charitable organizations throughout the state,
along with those individuals who are helped with money raised at
the aforementioned raffles. Letters of support have been
received from numerous charitable organizations.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN relayed a story involving a fundraiser
for diabetes in Ketchikan, Alaska, the previous year. An
announcement was made on the local radio station, resulting in a
warning from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). After
researching this issue, he discovered that Alaska is one of two
states that do not currently allow charitable organizations to
advertise raffles and fundraisers in this manner.
3:21:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN asked if current statute allows a public
radio station to advertise its own charitable gaming events.
3:22:24 PM
RANDY RUARO, Staff to Representative Kyle Johansen, Alaska State
Legislature, sponsor, offered his understanding that this is not
currently legal. The broadcasting of any type of raffle
[charitable or otherwise], is not allowed. He explained that HB
116 would amend current statute, thus allowing charitable gaming
events to be advertised.
3:23:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS opined that the current law is
"antiquated." His business hosts many charitable events, which
often fail due to poor advertising. He stated that this is much
needed and will have a positive effect on communities across the
state.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX commented that a similar bill was
introduced during the previous legislative session, and inquired
as to why the aforementioned bill did not pass.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN offered his understanding that this
legislation was delayed in the House Rules Committee.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO pointed out the bill would allow the
promotion of a "fish derby." He inquired as to whether this
would unintentionally allow other types of gambling to occur.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN replied that his office has been working
with Legislative Legal and Research Services to ensure that this
is not the case. He reiterated that the intent of the bill is
to allow charitable organizations to advertise in a "more
efficient way." In response to an additional question, he
stated that his office has not received any concerns or
opposition of this legislation from newspapers.
MR. RUARO agreed that this is correct.
3:28:29 PM
BOB KERN, President, TLP Communications, Inc.; Commissioner,
Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission (APBC), stated that TLP
Communications, Inc. owns and operates KFMJ Radio in Ketchikan,
Alaska, in addition to publishing The Local Paper. He explained
that while he is not speaking on behalf of the APBC, he feels
this legislation would favorably impact public broadcasting. He
urged passage of HB 116, as it would allow radio stations to
assist non-profit organizations in fundraising efforts. In
addition, it would eliminate the confusion that currently exists
regarding this issue. He then offered examples of the confusion
that occurs. In response to a question from Chair Olson, he
confirmed that he is in favor of HB 116.
3:34:02 PM
JULIE SLANAKER, Rainy Day Quilter's Guild; Ketchikan Little
League, stated that both organizations strongly support HB 116.
She explained that the Rainy Day Quilter's Guild holds two quilt
raffles each year. The funds raised at these raffles are used
for scholarships and community service projects. It has been
difficult to increase the amount of fundraising without
substantially increasing advertising costs. In regard to
Ketchikan Little League, she explained that there are strict
fundraising rules which apply. While raffles are approved, it
would be possible to raise more funds if radio and television
advertising was allowed. She stated that locally, the cost of
print advertising has gone up more than 25 percent over the past
three years. However, broadcasting rates have remained
relatively stable, in addition to offering special rates for
non-profit organizations.
3:36:33 PM
DENNIS BOOKIE, General Manager, Anchorage Media Group, Morris
Communications Company, LLC, commented that "everyone [is] in
support." He pointed out that HB 116 would also allow public
service announcements (PSAs). He explained that this would
allow broadcasters to use any unused inventory for PSAs
advertising charitable gaming events. In regard to opposition
by print media, he stated that Morris Communications Company,
LLC, owns several newspapers across the state, and offered his
understanding that there is no opposition to this legislation.
However, revenue streams may be effected.
3:37:46 PM
DENNIS EGAN, President and General Manager, Alaska Juneau
Communications, stated that he is also a member of the Alaska
Broadcasters Association (ABA) Board of Directors. He is in
support of HB 116, which provides a solution to the "disparate
treatment" which is being imposed on Alaska's broadcasters. He
stated that newspapers are currently allowed to promote
charitable gaming, while the broadcasting of such events is
illegal. In 1988, U.S. Congress passed the "Charity Games
Advertising Clarification Act." He stated that only two states
have not ratified this Act. Alaska's broadcasters, he said, are
asking that all media be given the same treatment with regard to
the type of advertising that is allowed.
3:40:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN inquired as to whether there are
additional inconsistencies in the media restrictions.
MR. EGAN replied yes. For example, he said, broadcasters are
prohibited from charging political candidates the going rate,
while print media is not. He explained that broadcasters are
required to charge the "lowest unit charge," which can be
difficult to calculate and report. In response to an additional
question, he stated that charging political candidates a rate
higher than the current going rate is prohibited by federal law.
3:42:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO requested clarification of the term
"broadcasting."
MR. EGAN explained that "broadcasting" is "electronic
distribution over ... publicly owned airways."
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO inquired as to why broadcasting was
prohibited from promoting charitable gaming.
MR. EGAN replied that he does not know.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX inquired as to how this applies to
internet advertising.
MR. EGAN replied that currently, there are no statutory
restrictions on internet advertising. In response to an
additional question, he offered his understanding that web sites
based in the U.S. and funded in foreign countries which run
online gaming can not be restricted at this time.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked for clarification that Alaska is
unable to restrict these web sites.
MR. EGAN explained that because these websites are being run in
another country, there are no restrictions. This is currently
being debated by the U.S. Congress. In response to an
additional request for clarification, he stated that currently,
the federal law supersedes state law in regard to internet web
sites.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN asked when AS 05.15.640 was enacted.
MR. EGAN replied that he does not have this information. In
response to a question from Representative Gatto, he explained
that federal law does not oppose the advertising of charitable
gaming; however, the decision of whether or not to allow this is
left to each state.
3:46:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN moved to report HB 116 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HB 116 was reported from the
House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
The committee took an at-ease from 3:47:37 PM to 3:50:03 PM.
HB 28-POWER SOURCE DISCLOSURE
3:50:12 PM
CHAIR OLSON announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 28, "An Act requiring retail suppliers of
electricity to disclose sources of electricity to consumers."
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN made a motion to adopt CSHB 28, Version
25-LS0189\C, Kane, 2/15/07, as the working document. There
being no objection, Version C was before the committee.
3:50:40 PM
BARBARA COTTING, Staff to Representative Jay Ramras, sponsor,
began by explaining the changes made by Version C. Section 3 is
the "crux" of the bill, adding a new section. Version C removes
the words "potential end-use" from Section 3. This new section
requires retail suppliers supplying electricity consumed in
Alaska to disclose the sources of electricity to consumers
annually. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) would
establish how and when this should be done.
3:51:54 PM
CHAIR OLSON offered his understanding that this is done by
several utilities, currently.
MS. COTTING agreed, adding that the RCA may wish to establish a
more uniform reporting requirement. The remainder of the bill
is conforming language.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX inquired as to what this is expected to
cost utilities.
MS. COTTING replied that the RCA submitted a zero fiscal note.
She pointed out that Section 3(b) states that the cost of the
aforementioned disclosures will be considered generation-
related. More information would be required from the utilities
in order to make this estimation. She surmised that the cost
would also depend on the regulations established by the RCA.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX questioned how "generation-related" costs
would effect the consumer, and asked whether the tariffs can be
raised.
MS. COTTING offered her understanding that the tariffs can be
raised.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO surmised that the reporting requirement
would be satisfied with a sentence in the utility's annual
report.
MS. COTTING replied [yes].
CHAIR OLSON offered his understanding that the Homer Electric
Association, Inc., currently provides this information.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN inquired as to how this would effect small
companies wishing to produce electricity to sell into a power
grid.
MS. COTTING offered her understanding that the utility
purchasing the electricity would be required to report the
information, rather than the company selling the electricity.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN inquired as to the intent behind the
legislation.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS speaking as sponsor of HB 28, explained
that previously, there was resistance to alternative energy
sources "based on the notion that this would increase the
portfolio cost of energy for consumers." He then gave examples
of this. He stated that he owns property in California, and
receives a yearly statement disclosing energy use and sources.
This information was included as an insert, which is more likely
to be noticed. He explained that this information is already
tracked by the utility, therefore the only cost would be in
producing the document. He explained that this requirement
would apply to the utilities that are purchasing the wholesale
electricity for retail use. He opined that over time, this
would result in a greater appetite for alternative energy among
consumers, which is the intent. This is not meant to be a
burden for consumers or utilities.
3:59:37 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN offered his understanding that it would be
the utilities responsibility to include this information.
MS. COTTING [replied yes].
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS, in response to a question from
Representative Neuman, reiterated that the method of reporting
would be left up to the RCA; however, he would prefer a separate
document.
4:02:57 PM
JAMES KEEN, Chief/Engineering, Regulatory Commission of Alaska
(RCA), Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development
(DCCED), explained that there are several methods of reporting
that may be used. These include: a separate insert, a "line
item" on a bill, adding it to the annual report, or posting the
information on a web page. One area of concern is Section 5(e),
which requires that those utilities grossing less than $50,000
to comply. The RCA does not keep track of utilities that it
does not regulate. All utilities grossing more than $50,000 are
regulated. Through the public comment period and regulatory
proceedings, the RCA would come up with the reporting
requirements. In response to a question from Chair Olson, he
said that he is unable to estimate how many unregulated
utilities exist.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX shared her concern regarding the effect
this requirement might have on smaller utilities.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN inquired as to whether utilities currently
send out this information.
MR. KEEN replied that he is unsure of this. He offered his
understanding that this is not required. He opined that the
commission would consider the size of the utility, and would
attempt to minimize costs.
4:06:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH referring to Page 2, line 4, inquired as to
the definition of "retail supplier."
MR. KEEN replied that he is not aware of the definition. In
response to questions, he explained that the RCA regulates all
utilities which gross over $50,000. It does not regulate those
grossing less than $50,000. He said "It would just be those
utilities grossing less than $50,000 annually that would not
have to comply, if you change this legislation." In response to
a question from Representative Gatto, he stated that under this
legislation, a village using a diesel engine would be required
to report this to the community, if the utility in question was
certificated by the RCA.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS, in response to a question from
Representative Gatto regarding the "Findings and Purpose" in
Section 1, offered his understanding that this language was
inserted by Legislative Legal and Research Services.
4:10:54 PM
MS. COTTING explained that Legislative Legal and Research
Services based this on California law. She offered her
understanding that the intent language does not become statute;
however, she opined that if HB 28 were to pass, this would be an
accurate statement.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO said that he is careful to "search out ...
challengeable statements." He added that when he finds a
challengeable statement with no "proper answer," he is "caught
off guard." However, he stated his intent to vote in favor of
HB 28.
4:12:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked whether the intent of the
legislation is to require villages and those utilities grossing
less than $50,000 annually to report this information.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS replied that the intent was to conform to
the current RCA regulation standards. He stated that this would
apply to the aforementioned communities and utilities, as the
intent is not to make a distinction between rural and urban use.
He opined that this would not be a "heinous" burden. He
reiterated the importance of creating "an appetite" for
alternative energy sources, adding that benchmarking the source
of energy once a year is a "useful and constructive exercise."
He stated that he recently met with individuals regarding
utilizing nuclear energy for Galena, in addition to how the
nuclear waste should be dealt with. He would like to see
alternative sources of energy used.
4:17:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX offered her understanding that currently ,
the RCA does not regulate utilities grossing less than $50,000
annually.
MR. KEEN agreed that this is correct. He reiterated that
because the RCA does not regulate these utilities, it would be
difficult to inform them of regulatory discussions, as well as
to enforce this once regulations are in place.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO expressed concern regarding the language in
Section 5. He opined that "does not gross $50,000 annually" is
not specific enough, and questioned whether this should be
rewritten.
4:19:01 PM
RICHARD GAZAWAY, Common Carrier Specialist, Common Carrier
Section, Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA), Department of
Commerce, Community, & Economic Development (DCCED), explained
that $50,000 is the maximum an unregulated utility can gross.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO opined that the current language does not
properly communicate the intent of the bill.
MR. GAZAWAY offered his understanding that this is an
incorporation of existing statutory language.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX requested further clarification as to
whether the sponsor intends for the reporting requirement to
apply to utilities that earn less than $50,000 annually.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS [replied no].
MR. KEEN, in response to a question from Chair Olson, suggested
removing Section 5, if the bill is not intended to apply to
those utilities grossing less than $50,000 annually.
4:20:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS said "we're certainly not trying to
regulate utilities that the RCA is currently not regulating."
He opined that Legislative Legal and Research Services should be
consulted regarding the removal of this language.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN expressed confusion regarding the
sectional analysis.
MS. COTTING noted that the sectional analysis contains errors.
MR. GAZAWAY, in response to a question from Representative Gatto
regarding the use of $500,000 on Page 3, line 2, explained that
the bold underlined text is new. The remainder is current
statutory language. He explained that the $500,000 exemption
has been in statute since 1970.
4:24:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTO suggested that the sponsor clarify the term
"exempt," in addition to the use of $50,000 and $500,000.
CHAIR OLSON stated that the bill would be held over until the
next committee hearing.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Labor and Commerce Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at
4:25:14 PM.
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