HB 06954 Summary

• Transfers primary authority over water company takeovers from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to the Department of Public Health, with both agencies consulting on sustainability determinations and the most suitable acquiring entity.

• Requires water companies to obtain certificates of public convenience and necessity from the Department of Public Health for construction or expansion of water systems serving 15+ connections or 25+ persons.

• Establishes procedures for voluntary acquisitions of water companies by non-water company entities, requiring Department of Public Health approval and transfer of Class I and Class II water company land to acquiring entities.

• Expands the definition of "water company" to include deficient well systems serving 25+ persons with documented contamination, inadequate water quality, or wastewater disposal issues.

• Requires water companies filing rate amendments to disclose all other water companies voluntarily acquired since their last general rate case, and increases application fees from $100 to $500 for certificate applications.