MS HB263

Extends the repeal date of Mississippi Code Section 21-27-77 from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2026, allowing municipalities with populations of 150,000 or more to continue operating programs addressing disputed and delinquent water and sewer accounts.

Authorizes municipalities to compromise on disputed or delinquent claims in cases of municipal error (equipment failure, billing failure) or unforeseen circumstances (weather events, disasters) where customers did not receive service benefits.

Permits municipalities to establish installment payment agreements for uncollectible accounts and move unpaid balances to a special "uncollectible" accounting category after customers fulfill payment plan terms, without forgiving the underlying debt.

Requires participating utilities to report annually to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and Mississippi Public Utilities Staff on revenue collection, uncollectible accounts, installment plans, and program effectiveness.

Effective date is July 1, 2023, and the statute will expire on July 1, 2026.