Voluntary donations for purposes of urban forestry.

(1) Public utility districts may request voluntary donations from their customers for the purposes of urban forestry. The request may be in the form of a check-off on the billing statement or other form of a request for a voluntary donation.(2) Voluntary donations collected by public utility districts under this section may be used by the public utility district to:(a) Support the development and implementation of urban forestry ordinances, as that term is defined in RCW 76.15.010, for cities, towns, or counties within their service areas;(b) Complete projects consistent with the urban forestry management plans and ordinances developed under RCW 76.15.090; or(c) Fund a tree planting program for energy conservation that accomplishes the goals established under RCW 54.16.281.(3) Donations received under this section do not contribute to the gross income of a light and power business or gas distribution business under chapter 82.16 RCW.[ 2021 c 209 s 21; 2021 c 11 s 5; 2008 c 299 s 22.]Notes:Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2021 c 11 s 5 and by 2021 c 209 s 21, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).Findings—Intent—2021 c 209: See note following RCW 76.15.005.Findings—Intent—2021 c 11: See note following RCW 35.92.355.Short title—2008 c 299: See note following RCW 76.15.020.