MO HB1226

Requires wastewater service entities in communities with 5,000 or fewer inhabitants to conduct a financial analysis before constructing new wastewater collection or treatment facilities or connecting to external facilities, examining costs and ratepayer rate impacts.

Mandates the financial analysis include examination of feasibility and costs of expanding or upgrading existing treatment facilities and technologies as alternatives.

Authorizes the Public Service Commission to promulgate rules and regulations for administering these requirements, subject to Chapter 536 procedures, with rulemaking authority becoming void if declared unconstitutional.

Creates the Water and Wastewater Loan Fund to provide financing for public water and wastewater infrastructure projects through loans, debt refinancing, credit guarantees, and loan guarantees to eligible entities.

Allows loan fund moneys to support costs of administering water and wastewater programs, serve as revenue security for bonds, and earn interest, with unexpended balances retained in the fund rather than transferred to general revenue.