MS SB2526

Creates the Mississippi Rural Water Oversight Committee with 7 members including representatives from USDA, Mississippi Department of Health, Department of Environmental Quality, Mississippi Rural Water Association, and appointees from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Requires all rural water providers to obtain rate studies and capacity studies by December 1, 2027, and every 5 years thereafter, with rates covering operation, maintenance, debt service, depreciation, and future capital expenses

Mandates providers develop annual asset management plans by December 1, 2027 documenting age, condition, and value of physical assets, maintenance schedules, and revenue strategies

Providers in fiscal distress (failing to obtain or implement rate studies, or in significant noncompliance) must file improvement plans within 90 days and cannot receive state financial assistance until plans are approved

Allocates $500,000 annually from the Local Governments and Rural Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund to hire 3 employees to assist providers with required studies and plans, with this provision repealing July 1, 2031