SB 650 Summary

• Creates new requirement for municipally owned and publicly owned utilities providing sewage services to adopt comprehensive maintenance plans including system mapping, inspection programs, sewer line cleaning, root control treatment, and sanitary sewer overflow response protocols.

• Requires utilities to adopt Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) ordinances, backflow prevention device policies, funding availability models reviewed every 5 years, and 5-year capital improvement plans for system repairs and equipment.

• Increases liability caps under The Governmental Tort Claims Act from $25,000 to $35,000 per claimant and establishes new liability limits of $5,000 per individual for physical injury and nuisance damages from municipal sewer overflows, capped at $20,000 per occurrence.

• Provides immunity from personal injury claims for sanitary sewer overflows on private property when utility operator complies with the new maintenance plan requirements, though property damage claims remain allowed.

• Adds new exemptions to governmental tort liability for sewer system flooding from extraordinary rainfall events and sanitary sewer overflows on lines without prior reports of problems within 3 years; effective November 1, 2025.