Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2709

Introduced

2/19/24

Refer

2/19/24

Failed

3/5/24

Caption

Fees for county garbage collection; revise provision related to.

Impact

The provisions in SB2709 significantly alter the current framework governing delinquent garbage fees. By establishing clearer responsibilities for county boards of supervisors and tax collectors, the bill aims to reduce disputes related to unpaid fees. Notably, individuals who did not generate the garbage or own the property at the time the fees were incurred will not be deemed delinquent. Furthermore, fees that are not considered liens will remain recoverable against the garbage generator and the property owner.

Summary

Senate Bill 2709 is a new legislative proposal that aims to amend various provisions within the Mississippi Code of 1972 concerning the collection and management of fees related to garbage or rubbish collection and disposal. The bill mandates that county boards of supervisors must notify the county tax collector when fees assessed under Section 19-5-21 are overdue. This change is intended to streamline the notification process and ensure that tax collectors can effectively manage delinquencies. The bill also stipulates that tax collectors are to index delinquency notices and allows for initiating a tax sale if the delinquency exceeds a specified amount, three years after the notice is received.

Contention

There are potential areas of contention surrounding SB2709, particularly in how it handles the classification of fees as liens and the responsibilities of property owners versus garbage service users. Some stakeholders may argue that the requirement for payment of all delinquent garbage fees as a condition for obtaining or renewing a motor vehicle license could disproportionately affect low-income residents. Addressing such concerns while balancing the needs of local governments to recover fees will likely be a focal point of debate as the bill progresses.