Alabama Senate Bill SB134

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/23
• Refer: 3/22/23

Caption

Relating to counties and municipalities; to amend Section 11-50-170, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide that reservoirs used for the collection or storage of water are part of a water system; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style.

Impact

The passage of SB134 would have a significant impact on how public corporations, which are established by municipalities, can operate in relation to water systems. By recognizing reservoirs as integral parts of these systems, the bill facilitates smoother transitions and conveyances of control over water resources from one public entity to another. Importantly, this change might enhance the efficiency with which water resources are managed and transferred, potentially leading to improved availability and distribution in regions covered by the state’s public corporations.

Summary

SB134 aims to clarify and amend the regulations concerning water systems in the state of Alabama, specifically by including reservoirs used for water collection or storage as part of a water system. This bill reflects an effort to streamline and update existing laws, specifically targeting Section 11-50-170 of the Code of Alabama 1975. Through these amendments, the legislation seeks to define better the structures and operations surrounding public corporations that manage water systems, ensuring clarity in their capabilities regarding the transfer of such systems.

Contention

While SB134 is primarily a technical revision of existing law, its implications could prompt discussions around the management and ownership of water resources. Critics of the bill might raise concerns regarding the concentration of control over water systems, especially in the context of public access, pricing, and environmental considerations. The lack of a requirement for public voter approval in transfers may also be contentious, as it could challenge the accountability of public corporations to the communities they serve.