S320 - Regional Water Systems and State Grants. (Ratified)

Overview: Senate Bill 320 would amend requirements governing disbursement of water/wastewater infrastructure grants or loans to recipients engaged in regionalization to, in certain circumstances, require a written agreement between a recipient and local government units purchasing treated or untreated water from the recipient, stating the current rates of purchase and any anticipated increases over the term of the agreement, or a resolution approved by the governing board of the purchasing local government unit stating that it waives its option to establish such a written agreement. The bill also establishes a process for the Local Government Commission (LGC) to assist in resolving any disputes between local government units prior to execution of a written agreement. If the parties fail to reach an agreement, the bill would prohibit the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) from disbursing any loan or grant to either local government unit until the dispute is resolved to the satisfaction of the LGC.

Senate Bill 320 was vetoed by the Governor on August 2, 2019, has not been overridden by the General Assembly, and, therefore, has not become law.