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Senate panel clears bill to clarify municipal water franchise fees
Summary
Senate Insurance & Commerce Committee unanimously passed S.B. 289 after the city attorney for Sherwood said the bill resolves an ambiguity between the Consolidated Water Works Act and municipal franchise fees and limits the fee to a single 4.25% rate.
Senate Insurance & Commerce Committee members voted to pass S.B. 289 after Steve Cobb, city attorney for Sherwood, told the panel the bill removes a legal ambiguity between the Consolidated Water Works Act and municipal franchise fees. Cobb said the change makes clear there is a single franchise fee rate (cited in testimony as 4.25%) rather than multiple overlapping fees, and that the clarification is intended to benefit consumers. Senator English presented the bill and closed without opposition. A motion to pass the bill carried by voice vote.
The committee heard no testimony of an economic impact. Senator Chesterfield asked whether the bill would change municipal costs; Cobb responded it would not. With no members or public speakers opposing, the committee advanced the bill.
The measure was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; committee staff will proceed per committee rules.
