MS HB974

Establishes legislative intent that county utility authorities in George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, and Stone counties provide voluntary coordination of water, wastewater, and storm water services to reduce costs and improve service delivery.

Limits each county utility authority's direct service provision to areas within its certificated service area as defined by the Mississippi Public Service Commission, while allowing planning and coordination countywide.

Requires consolidation of Harrison County Utility Authority with the Harrison County Wastewater and Solid Waste Management District, and Jackson County Utility Authority with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Wastewater Authority, within 30 days of passage.

Transfers all property, debts, liabilities, employees, and regulations from the consolidating districts to the respective county authorities while protecting existing creditor rights and employee civil service status.

Allows certificates of public convenience and necessity from other water and sewer providers to be voluntarily transferred to county authorities through joint petition to the Mississippi Public Service Commission.