SB 53 Summary

• Modifies lien enforcement procedures for unpaid municipal utility fees, requiring departments to notify property owners within 20 days after fees become 60 days delinquent for properties occupied by someone other than the owner.

• Establishes a two-year continuation period for municipal utility services to properties outside municipal boundaries after contract expiration, during which owners must continue paying at the expired contract rate.

• Allows arbitration to resolve disputes between municipalities and property owners regarding new utility service contracts, with arbitrator awards enforceable in court under Indiana arbitration law.

• Permits municipalities to adopt ordinances making sewage fees payable by property occupants rather than owners, with options for deposits or creditworthiness requirements, and allows fees to not constitute liens under certain conditions.

• Effective July 1, 2014 for all provisions; applies to wastewater collection, treatment and disposal systems in municipal utilities and sewerage districts.