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MD SB556
Bill
Status
Enrolled
4/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Jason Gallion
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AI Summary
- Requires the Maryland Public Service Commission to authorize rate consolidation proposals from water, sewage disposal, and combined water and sewage disposal companies involving two or more systems during base rate proceedings, removing the Commission's current discretion to deny such proposals
- Mandates the Commission allow companies to aggregate revenues and costs across multiple water and sewage disposal systems when setting consolidated rates, even if the systems are not physically interconnected
- Authorizes the Commission to order gradual rate adjustments over a period not exceeding 3 years until full rate consolidation is achieved, as the only permissible condition on approval
- Expands the definition of "utility company" under Maryland's limited-income mechanism provisions to include water companies, sewage disposal companies, and water and sewage disposal companies, enabling these utilities to propose affordability programs for eligible low-income customers (those at or below 175% of the federal poverty level, or 200% for customers aged 67+)
- Takes effect July 1, 2026
Legislative Description
Water Companies, Sewage Disposal Companies, and Water and Sewage Disposal Companies - Limited-Income Mechanisms
Reports
Last Action
Returned Passed
4/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Environment and Transportation4/10/2026
Rules and Executive Nominations4/9/2026
Education, Energy, and the Environment2/4/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available