Connecticut House Bill HB05163

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The Adjudication Of Disputes Between Municipalities And Certain Municipal Waterworks Systems.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05163 will effectively place the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority as the primary authority in governance matters concerning waterworks disputes. This could standardize how disputes are managed, potentially reducing litigation and conflicts of interest that arise when municipalities are involved in regulatory rulings about each other's waterworks systems. By providing a clear structure, the bill may also enhance cooperation between municipalities in managing water resources.

Summary

House Bill 05163 aims to clarify the adjudication process for disputes arising between municipalities and municipal waterworks systems that are owned or operated by neighboring municipalities. The bill proposes that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) takes on the responsibility of overseeing and resolving these disputes. The goal is to establish a clear framework for how conflicts regarding water supply and infrastructure between municipalities will be handled, ensuring a more streamlined process for resolution.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 05163 may raise issues regarding local oversight and control. Some municipal leaders might be concerned about ceding authority to a state-level agency, which could impact how local priorities and concerns are addressed in disputes. The degree of influence that PURA can wield, especially regarding local water policies, could become a point of contention among municipal stakeholders who want to maintain direct control over their waterworks systems.