Missouri House Bill HB2187

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Adds a penalty and attorney's fees when a sewer district, absent a lien, refuses to connect new service

Impact

The bill introduces a penalty for sewer districts that violate this provision, imposing a fine of five hundred dollars as well as the obligation to cover the attorney's fees of the property owner if service is unreasonably denied. By enacting these changes, the legislation is designed to safeguard new property owners from being penalized for debts incurred by previous property owners, thereby improving access to essential public utilities.

Summary

House Bill 2187 aims to modify existing regulations regarding sewer districts by repealing section 204.455 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enacting a new section that addresses the penalties associated with failure to connect service due to the previous owner's delinquent fees. This legislation is particularly relevant for property owners, as it seeks to ensure that sewer districts cannot refuse service connection to a new owner solely based on the prior owner's unpaid charges, unless a lien is in place.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 2187 may involve varying opinions about holding utility districts accountable for their service policies, particularly in terms of ensuring access to new owners and preventing unjust penalties. Proponents may argue that this bill empowers property buyers and promotes fairness in service provision, while opponents might raise concerns about the operational challenges that sewer districts may face in managing delinquent accounts and enforcing payment responsibilities.