Bill > H4747

This bill authorizes counties in South Carolina that operate a countywide water and sewer system as of July 1, 2026, to acquire municipal water systems located within their county through a specific process. The acquisition process requires a petition signed by at least 40% of qualified electors in the municipal water system's service area, which must include specific details like signers' names and addresses. The county election commission must verify the petition's validity, after which the county governing body must hold a public meeting with at least 15 days' notice in a local newspaper, explaining the proposed acquisition's terms and potential financial implications. Within 30 days after the public meeting, the county can enact an ordinance to acquire the municipal water system, unless it finds the acquisition would create an undue financial burden, violate laws, or the petition was improperly certified. If approved, the county would assume full ownership, operational control, and financial obligations of the municipal water system, though existing bond covenants and contractual obligations would remain protected. The bill emphasizes that this provision is cumulative and does not limit other county powers, and it will take effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4747&session=126&summary=B