Mississippi Senate Bill SB3207

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Failed: 4/5/22

Caption

Town of Shuqualak; authorize expansion of water system within 15 miles of corporate limits.

Impact

The bill modifies existing state regulations outlined in Section 21-27-39 of the Mississippi Code. Specifically, it allows Shuqualak to provide water service to customers outside its city limits while adhering to specific rate limitations, which state that charges for such service cannot exceed twice the rate charged within the town's corporate limits. This change is expected to enhance service provision and infrastructure development in areas that may have previously been underserved.

Summary

Senate Bill 3207 aims to authorize the governing authorities of the Town of Shuqualak, Mississippi, to expand the town's water system up to 15 miles beyond its corporate limits. This expansion will allow the town to encompass areas east of the town and north of U.S. Highway 45, potentially improving water service accessibility to surrounding communities. The bill emphasizes the town's discretion regarding construction and maintenance of the water system, facilitating local governance over expansion decisions.

Contention

A notable aspect of Senate Bill 3207 is its relationship with the Public Service Commission's jurisdiction. The bill clearly states that the authority granted to the town does not exempt it from obtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under Section 77-3-1 et seq. This ensures that while the town has expanded powers for service provision, it remains under the regulatory oversight of state authorities, addressing potential concerns about the unregulated extension of municipal services.