HCS/SCS/SB 538 - This act makes numerous changes which accomplish two main objectives: (1) removing joint municipal utility commission water works and water corporations from the regulatory purview of the Public Service Commission; and (2) permitting the establishment of joint municipal utility commissions by sewer districts. Currently, only two municipalities or a municipality and a public water supply district may enter into a contract to establish a joint municipality utility commission.

The Public Service Commission is given the explicit authority to approve rates charged for sewer and water services to premises outside the corporate boundaries of any city, town, village or sewer district.

Publicly owned treatment works shall be responsible for the entire sewer system, except that the owner of a lot shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of any part of a pressure sewer system originating on said lot.

Any municipality that supplies water or sewer services to customers located outside the municipality's corporate limits shall provide safe and adequate service to such customers at just and reasonable rates, terms, conditions and practices. This section details provisions regarding how to contest a rate, term, condition or practice, as well as provisions regarding when this section does not apply.

This act becomes effective only upon passage of SJR 29.
RONALD J. LEONE