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MississippiHB 16322026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Community Public Wastewater System Infrastructure Sustainability Act; create.

Sponsored By: Brent Powell (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Public UtilitiesEnergy

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.

Counties can redirect fire protection funds

A county can contract directly with a fire protection provider and send that provider some or all funds otherwise given to the fire district. The county board and district board must both agree unanimously. The law does not require more funding or a particular service change.

Water and sewer systems get grades

The state grades covered community water and wastewater systems from A to F and publishes annual reports. Covered systems serve at least 15 year-round service connections or at least 25 people year-round. Grades use measures such as violations, finances, operations, and infrastructure; owners with multiple systems receive a weighted combined grade. Systems must notify customers within 30 days after publication, and the first grades are due by January 1, 2028. A D or F grade makes a system subject only to the specific state commission powers named in the law; grades do not affect project rankings for the Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund.

Landowners can seek district closure

A majority of a district's landowners, not counting owners of state land, can ask a chancery court to dissolve the district. Proceedings stop after the first notice is published while the petition is pending. The court can dissolve the district if it finds that closure is in the landowners' best interests; costs may then be assessed against district land by acreage. If the court denies the petition, the petitioners pay the costs and expenses.

City water bills follow cost rules

Cities must set water, wastewater, and sewer rates based on actual operating and maintenance costs, and rates must cover system costs and obligations. Bills generally use actual usage plus reasonable fees. If a meter is unusable, a city can estimate bills for up to six months using past usage or similar users. A flat fee can continue only when the city cannot bill by usage and actively used that fee system on July 1, 2023; the exception ends after an upgrade. Cities cannot provide free water unless another law allows it, and must record the cost basis for rates and announce rate changes at least one month ahead.

Counties gain control of local utilities

A county authority can run local water, wastewater, and stormwater services in its service area, unless another provider holds the required state certificate for the same service. County charges are not controlled by the state commission. By agreement, a county can also take over a system when its provider asks to leave; the former provider may keep control over connections and charge additional fees. The law does not set household rates.

Business deals can change utility bills

A city can use a billing method other than actual usage for a commercial or industrial business incentive deal. The deal must support a business locating, expanding, or maintaining operations in the city. The rate must be fair and nondiscriminatory, and cannot be below the city's cost of service.

Districts keep exclusive service areas

A public service district keeps exclusive authority to provide a service within its boundaries while it continues providing that authorized service. This can preserve the district's role, but it limits other providers from offering the same service there. The law does not set household charges.

Industrial wastewater may need pretreatment

A county authority can accept industrial wastewater from within its boundaries for treatment. It can require pretreatment when it finds that treatment necessary. The law does not set technical standards or costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brent Powell

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 283 • No: 5

House vote • 3/12/2026

Concurred in Amend From Senate

Yes: 120 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 50 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/5/2026

Passed

Yes: 113 • No: 5 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/19/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/16/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/16/2026House

  4. Concurred in Amend From Senate

    3/12/2026House

  5. Returned For Concurrence

    3/11/2026Senate

  6. Passed As Amended

    3/10/2026Senate

  7. Amended

    3/10/2026Senate

  8. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/2/2026Senate

  9. Referred To Energy

    2/17/2026Senate

  10. Transmitted To Senate

    2/6/2026House

  11. Passed

    2/5/2026House

  12. Committee Substitute Adopted

    2/5/2026House

  13. Title Suff Do Pass Comm Sub

    1/28/2026House

  14. Referred To Public Utilities

    1/19/2026House

Bill Text

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