SB257 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

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

A Shelby County local constitutional amendment would bring certain privately owned sewer systems that use public road rights-of-way under Public Service Commission regulation.

What This Bill Does

If adopted, Shelby County privately owned sewer systems that use public rights-of-way and discharge to Grade III+ facilities would be certified and regulated by the Public Service Commission, including oversight of rates and charges. The PSC would regulate these utilities under Titles 22 and 37, with implementation determined by the Commission. The measure also allows an opt-out through a rate control agreement for the county or municipality, with rules on re-entry and only the municipality with the most affected customers having the opt-out option in multi-municipality situations; an election would be held to approve the amendment.

Who It Affects

• Privately owned sewer system operators in Shelby County that use public road rights-of-way would be subject to PSC certification and rate regulation.
• Residential and commercial customers served by these sewer systems in Shelby County could have their rates regulated by the PSC, though some customers may be exempt if a rate control agreement is in place.

Key Provisions

• Applies only in Shelby County and would amend the Alabama Constitution to bring certain privately owned sewer systems under PSC jurisdiction.
• Targets privately owned collection, treatment, or disposal facilities that use public rights-of-way and discharge to Grade III+ facilities, with residential or commercial customers billed a flat fee or based on water usage.
• PSC would certify and regulate rates, charges, and increases, using applicable portions of Titles 22 and 37, with specific exceptions.
• Implementation can be gradual or immediate as determined by the PSC.
• Opt-out option for county/municipality via a rate control agreement; opt-out applies to affected customers and can be reversed if the agreement ends or is invalid; if multiple municipalities are served, the largest-serving one determines the opt-out.

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