The bill amends RCW 35.92.025 to authorize cities and towns in Washington to charge property owners connection fees for water or sewer systems, ensuring that these owners contribute their equitable share of the system's costs. The legislation allows for the inclusion of interest charges on these fees, which can be applied from the date of construction until the connection is made, with a cap on the interest rate and total amount.

Additionally, the bill mandates that by 2030, cities and towns must implement a deferred collection system for connection charges specifically for single-family and multifamily residential construction. This system allows applicants to request a deferral of payment until certain milestones, such as final inspection or issuance of a certificate of occupancy, are reached. However, cities and towns are required to withhold these certifications until the connection charges are fully paid. The bill defines "connection charges" as the one-time fees imposed for new utility services, covering the costs associated with connecting a residence to the utility service.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 35.92.025