Bill > S1444

Introduced Session

This bill would encourage redevelopment of obsolete or vacant property by prohibiting a sewerage authority from imposing a new connection fee if the property being redeveloped was previously connected to the sewerage system for 20 or more years. This exclusion would apply although:· the property has not been in active use for a period of time since initial connection to the sewerage system, or · the redevelopment project proposes an addition, alteration, or change of use to the property, even if the proposed addition, alteration, or change of use requires a modification and relocation of an existing connection to the sewerage system. The bill would also require a sewage authority to reimburse the fee for a new connection, paid in protest by the owner or occupant of the property, that was imposed by the authority prior to the effective date of the bill. The Legislature has, in the past, recognized, and continues to recognize, the value and benefit to the public of redeveloping obsolete properties and vacant properties. The policy of the State encourages redevelopment of obsolete properties and vacant properties. Many redevelopment sites have been connected to public sewerage systems for years. In some instances, past and present owners of such sites have already contributed economically to the sewerage systems either through direct cash payments, past connection fees, or past service fees. In these instances, requiring the redeveloper of obsolete or vacant property to pay a new connection fee, which may reach into the millions of dollars, is inequitable, even if a new connection, or modification of an existing connection, is required, because the new connection fee inhibits redevelopment efforts.

Committee Categories

Troy Singleton (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document