SB 2526 Summary

• Authorizes municipalities located in counties that are not members of the Pat Harrison Waterway District to join the district by submitting a resolution to the district and petitioning the Chancery Court of Forrest County, effective July 1, 2023.

• Allows governing authorities of member municipalities to withdraw from the district; withdrawing municipalities must pay their proportional share of outstanding bonds, contractual obligations, and other indebtedness as determined by independent audit.

• Extends existing petition, hearing, and election procedures to apply to municipalities seeking to join or withdraw from the district, requiring notice publication and qualified elector voting approval.

• Modifies notification and reporting requirements to include member municipalities alongside member counties when district board provides budgets, five-year plans, audit reports, and legislative notices.

• Takes effect July 1, 2023, allowing municipalities in non-member counties to formally petition for district membership while establishing clear procedures for withdrawal.