HB 813 - Ratepayer Representation Act

• Prohibits counties from providing water or sewer services in unincorporated areas where a municipality has an agreement to provide such services, until the agreement expires or under specific conditions requiring majority ratepayer approval

• Limits municipalities to a maximum 25 percent surcharge on water and sewer rates for consumers in unincorporated county areas, with new surcharges or increases requiring Public Service Commission approval and dedication to bond repayment

• Requires Public Service Commission approval before municipalities can charge more than 25 percent above rates charged to municipal residents, and allows ratepayers in unincorporated areas to petition the commission to determine if rates are just and equitable

• Grants the Public Service Commission regulatory authority over municipalities providing water or wastewater services in unincorporated areas and requires commission approval before municipalities purchase certain water or wastewater utility facilities serving unincorporated areas

• Establishes that municipal corporate powers do not apply to unincorporated county areas without express county consent from a majority of county commissioners

• Takes effect July 1, 2014