SB378 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Water authorities; regulation by Public Service Commission for certain authorities authorized.

Summary

SB 378 would bring certain small water authorities under the regulation of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would require some water authorities to be regulated by the Public Service Commission. It targets authorities organized under Article 1, Chapter 88 that served fewer than 7,500 customers in 2017 and that held more than $5,000,000 in cash, cash equivalents, or securities at any time after January 1, 2018. The Commission would regulate these authorities under Title 37, and the act specifies that the Commission will implement these rules. The measure would take effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Water authorities that meet the specified criteria (fewer than 7,500 customers in 2017 and more than $5,000,000 in assets) would come under PSC regulation.
• The Alabama Public Service Commission would gain authority to regulate these authorities under Title 37.
• Customers served by these authorities could experience oversight changes as a result of PSC regulation.

Key Provisions

• Notwithstanding existing exemption in Section 11-88-21, the bill brings eligible water authorities under PSC regulation.
• Eligibility criteria: organized under Article 1, Chapter 88, served $5,000,000 in cash, cash equivalents, or securities after Jan 1, 2018; PSC to regulate under Title 37; implementation determined by the Commission.
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Water Authorities