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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: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger public health enforcement powers

The Health Department can enter and inspect public places to find and stop disease. It can detain people who violate State Health Officer orders, and its investigators have arrest powers with police support. It can hold hearings and issue subpoenas when the law requires. It can immediately revoke licenses and close facilities for the aged or infirm to protect residents.

Public grades for water and sewer

The law creates A–F report cards for community drinking water and wastewater systems. It uses clear point systems on permits, operations, finances, infrastructure, customer satisfaction, and contaminants. First grades are posted by January 1, 2028, then every year. Each system must tell customers its grade within 30 days. Owners with multiple systems get a combined grade. Systems graded D or F come under limited Public Service Commission powers to address failure. Grades do not change rankings for the Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund. These rules cover systems with at least 15 year‑round connections or 25 year‑round people.

Permits and fines for food businesses

Cafes, restaurants, and similar businesses must get a state health permit before opening. After a hearing, fines can be up to $1,000 per violation for not having a permit. No fine applies if gross annual prepared food sales are under $5,000. The Board also regulates milk and fish sold for people to eat, and businesses must follow these safety rules.

Water system loans and fees

The State Board of Health accepts federal Safe Drinking Water Act capitalization grants. It runs the loan program for local governments and rural water systems. If administration costs run above federal limits, the Board may add a fee to loans, capped at 5% of the loan amount.

Rural health office and telemedicine rules

The State Board of Health creates an Office of Rural Health to study needs, plan, help recruit providers, and share information. The Board can make rules and collect data on telemedicine and electronic records. These steps support better access to care in rural areas.

Health department service fees

The Health Board charges reasonable fees for services like shots and inspections. If you cannot pay the full amount, it collects what you can pay. Any fee increases must follow state rules in Section 41-3-65.

Fees for health business licenses

The Health Department may charge a review fee when a home health agency transfers a county. The fee cannot exceed half of the original application fee. It may also charge up to half of the original fee to extend or renew an expired certificate of need. These fees go to a state special fund.

Rural water nonprofits can become districts

A nonprofit that runs rural waterworks can convert to a public water district. It uses one process if its certificated area is in a single county and another if it spans multiple counties. When a district is created under the single‑county process, all the nonprofit’s assets and debts move to the new district on the day the county board adopts the resolution.

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

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 50 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/5/2026

Passed

Yes: 113 • No: 5

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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