Bill Caption

Relating to procedural requirements for the review of a contractual rate charged for the furnishing of raw or treated water or water or sewer service.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 997 would make procedural updates to the process by which the Public Utility Commission reviews the contractual rate for the furnishing of water and sewer services, and the process by which a PUC determination may be appealed. 

SB 997 would prohibit the Public Utility Commission from holding a hearing on or otherwise prescribing just and reasonable amounts to be charged under a contract for sewer and water services unless the PUC determines that the amount being charged harms the public interest. The PUC's determination becomes final for the purposes of an appeal.

This bill would allow adversely affected parties to seek judicial review and would require the PUC to allow the parties to the contract a chance to amend their rates 60 days before the hearing.

The bill was amended by the Senate to require that a party can only challenge an amended contract after the 5th anniversary of when the contract was amended.

Vote Recommendation Notes