Mississippi Senate Bill SB2896

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Municipal program to address delinquent water accounts; extend repealer.

Impact

The bill is significant as it seeks to ensure that large municipalities can effectively address issues related to delinquent water accounts without the pressure of an impending automatic repeal of their authority. By extending the program, the bill allows municipalities the flexibility to implement strategies that can help mitigate losses from unpaid bills and improve overall utility revenue collection. Moreover, it could enhance the ability for municipalities to provide equitable solutions for customers struggling to pay their water bills, particularly in circumstances resulting from errors, extreme weather, or disasters.

Summary

Senate Bill 2896 aims to amend Section 21-27-77 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 by extending the automatic repealer related to certain municipalities' authority to establish programs addressing delinquent water accounts. Specifically, the bill allows municipalities with a population of 150,000 or more to institute such programs, which must include the establishment of rules and procedures that consider customers' abilities to pay and involve mechanisms for dealing with disputed or delinquent accounts. This continues the provision for municipalities to address challenges related to customer accounts while offering them some latitude in how they manage these situations.

Contention

Notably, there may be differences in opinion regarding the implementation of such programs, especially around how to balance the interests of the municipalities with those of the consumers. While some may view these measures as essential for sound bookkeeping and operational integrity, others might express concerns regarding the fairness and clarity of the rules governing customer accounts and their enforcement. The potential for municipalities to declare certain debts uncollectible and their ability to offer installment payment plans could be points of contention among legislators and stakeholders in the utility sector.