A bill for an act relating to approval requirements for city utilities.(See SF 601.)
Impact
This bill is likely to have significant implications for how city utilities are managed in Iowa. By eliminating the need for a public vote on certain franchise matters, SSB1115 empowers city councils, potentially making operations smoother and more responsive to community needs. However, some critics may argue that this could lead to fewer opportunities for public input and less accountability, as residents may no longer have a direct say through voting on such important issues. This aspect of local governance is crucial, as it touches on the balance between effective administration and democratic participation.
Summary
Senate Study Bill 1115 (SSB1115) seeks to modify the approval requirements for city utilities in Iowa. The bill proposes to streamline the process by which city councils can grant, amend, extend, or renew franchises for utilities such as electric, gas, and water services. Under current law, significant decisions regarding city utilities require voter approval following a public hearing. SSB1115 changes this by allowing city councils to make final determinations through resolutions after public hearings, rather than needing to hold elections unless there is a petition from citizens demanding one. This shift aims to enhance efficiency in municipal governance and reduce the burden on local governments when managing utility franchises.
Contention
The central contention surrounding SSB1115 lies in the balance of power between local governments and their constituents. Proponents argue that enabling councils to navigate utility management without frequent elections will promote swifter decision-making and operational efficiency. Conversely, opponents may view this as undermining voter rights and diminishing the role of public opinion in utility matters. The concern is that by centralizing this authority within councils, residents could lose valuable oversight on decisions that affect essential services and community welfare.
Replaced by
A bill for an act relating to timelines for online information availability concerning the discontinuance of city utilities.(Formerly SSB 1115.)
A bill for an act relating to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities.(Formerly SSB 1097.)
A bill for an act relating to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities. (Formerly HF 473, HF 56.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.
A bill for an act relating to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities.(Formerly HF 56; See HF 2101.)
A bill for an act relating to public utilities, including energy production, public utility affiliates, and cable and video service.(Formerly SSB 3075.)
A bill for an act relating to public utilities, including energy production, public utility affiliates, and cable and video service. (Formerly HSB 555.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.
Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.
Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.
Requires advance notice of water supply discontinuations for non-payment of local government water bills; requires offer of payment plan in certain circumstances.
Requires advance notice of water supply discontinuations for non-payment of local government water bills; requires offer of payment plan in certain circumstances.
Requires certain telecommunications, cable television, and public utility service providers to notify BPU of service discontinuance to public entities 14 business days prior to shutoff.
Requires certain telecommunications, cable television, and public utility service providers to notify BPU of service discontinuance to public entities 14 business days prior to shutoff.