Bills › 90th General Assembly
Relating to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 18, 2023
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 25, 2023
- Done: House committeeFebruary 21, 2023
- Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 473
- Next: Senate committee
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became HF 473 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 473 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Public utilities can now buy water and sewer systems worth up to $5 million without needing special approval from the utilities board. Cities must officially certify that they have completed certain steps, like getting an appraisal, before selling these systems. The bill also allows certain costs from these purchases to be included in the utility's rate base and sets specific deadlines for the board to make final decisions.1
Read the official explanation
F. This bill relates to the acquisition of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utilities by rate-regulated public utilities. The bill increases the threshold amount requiring utilities board (board) approval from $500,000 to $5 million when a public utility is acquiring a water, sanitary sewer, or storm water utility.2A, including an appraisal for the fair market value of the utility system, discussion of alternatives of the sale of the utility system, and a city council proposal for the sale. Current law requires that the city meets the requirements, but not certifies compliance. The bill provides that the rate base in the final order approving an acquisition shall include reasonable and customary closing costs, the cost of appraisals, and regulatory and legal expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition. The bill provides that the board shall issue a final order within 120 days of the filing of an application for the acquisition of an at-risk utility system, or an order within 180 days for all other acquisitions. Current law provides that the board shall issue a final order within 120 days of filing the application for a utility that is an at-risk system.
House subcommittee
Named January 25, 2023. On February 2, 2023 it recommended passage. Vote Total: 3-0.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part