HB 5279 Summary

• Allows two or more drainage districts in the same county and drainage basin to consolidate upon filing a petition signed by at least 50 property owners (or 50% if fewer than 100 total property owners exist in the proposed district).

• Permits petitions to be signed solely by a city, village, or township with authorization from its governing body, or by a combination of such municipalities, instead of requiring property owner signatures.

• Establishes a board of determination process to evaluate consolidation proposals for public health, convenience, or welfare, with appointed members from outside the affected districts.

• Extends consolidation authority to drainage districts spanning multiple counties through a drainage board composed of drain commissioners from affected counties and the director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

• Clarifies procedures for abandoned merged drains, requiring that remaining funds be transferred to the consolidated drain or returned to county treasurers, with municipalities credited against future special assessments.