A bill introduced by state Rep. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, to boost donations to food banks and aid the hungry passed the House Tuesday.
House Bill 1211 would authorize public utilities to solicit and collect donations from their customers to aid food programs for the poor. It would also make clear that donations received by utilities are not considered gross income subject to public utility taxes.
Customers would have the option to check a box on their utility bills specifying the amount they want to contribute.
“Many of these companies would like to ask their customers for voluntary donations to support hunger programs, but current law doesn’t allow them to,” Rivers said in a statement. “This is about giving companies and their customers an option and opportunity to help individuals and families who are in need.”
Rep. Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen, the bill’s co-sponsor, noted that donations are tax-deductible for utility customers and said he hopes the bill will increase participation in community-based food programs. Blake is a member of the board of Coastal Harvest, a food distribution center in his district.
“The number of people these organizations help has grown considerably in the last year, so there really is a need and folks can donate a dollar or ten or a hundred dollars,” Blake said. “Every little bit helps in these tough financial times.”
The final version of the House bill omits a section in the original version that would have authorized investor-owned gas and electrical companies to collect donations for anti-hunger programs.
In public testimony before the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee earlier this month, Puget Sound Energy testified against the bill. A lobbyist said the utility was concerned that the food appeals could detract from its program supporting energy assistance for low-income families.
The legislation is now headed to the state Senate for consideration.
Kathie Durbin: 360-735-4523.
