MS HB16

Prohibits municipalities from using eminent domain to seize water or sewer facilities of qualified public water authorities unless the Mississippi Public Service Commission first cancels the authority's certificate of convenience and necessity.

Exempts not-for-profit water and sewer service providers from Public Service Commission rate regulation while allowing them to access tax-exempt capital markets by converting to body politic status.

Amends legislative intent to authorize not-for-profit water and sewer entities to access tax-exempt capital markets to ensure customers receive services at reasonable rates.

Requires the Public Service Commission to determine whether a utility's certificate should be cancelled before any municipality exercises eminent domain under Section 77-3-17.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.