HB340 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Shelby Co., privately owned sewer systems using public rights-of-way of public roads, required to be regulated and certified by PSC, const. amend.

Summary

In Shelby County, the bill would amend the constitution to bring certain privately owned sewer systems that use public road rights-of-way under Public Service Commission regulation for rates and consumer protections.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the Public Service Commission would certify and regulate the rates and charges of these privately owned sewer systems (instead of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management) for Shelby County. The scope covers systems that use public rights-of-way, discharge to Grade III+ facilities, and serve residential or commercial customers billed by flat fees or based on water usage. The commission would determine how and when to implement regulation, and the county can opt out via a rate-control agreement with the entity, with a process to re-enter if the agreement ends; if multiple municipalities are served, the largest one decides the opt-out/opt-in. A local election would be held to approve the constitutional amendment.

Who It Affects

• Residents and businesses in Shelby County who are customers of qualifying privately owned sewer systems that use public road rights-of-way and would see PSC regulation of their rates and protections.
• Privately owned sewer system operators in Shelby County that meet the criteria, who would be regulated by the PSC for rates/charges and must comply with PSC oversight (with possible opt-out via rate-control agreement).

Key Provisions

• Applies only in Shelby County and would place certain privately owned sewer systems under PSC regulation.
• Qualifying systems use public rights-of-way of public roads, discharge to Grade III+ facilities, and bill residential or commercial customers via flat fees or usage-based charges; PSC would certify and regulate rates and charges under Title 22 and Title 37, with specified exceptions.
• Implementation timing (gradual or immediate) would be determined by the PSC.
• County or municipality may opt out through a rate-control agreement; may opt back in if the agreement ends or becomes invalid; if served by more than one municipality, the largest-served municipality has the opt-out/opt-in authority.
• An election is required to vote on the proposed constitutional amendment.

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

Subjects

Shelby County