summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Create The Metro Jackson Water Authority Act; To Define Certain Terms Relating To This Act; To Establish The Metro Jackson Water Authority; To Provide For The Composition And Terms Of The Board Of Directors Of The Metro Jackson Water Authority; To Require The Authority To Negotiate With The City Of Jackson To Enter Into An Agreement For The Transfer Of The Water System By Lease To The Authority; To Provide For The Appointment Of A President Of The Authority Within A Certain Time Period; To Provide Powers And Duties Of The Authority; To Require The President Of The Authority To Supervise All Administrative And Technical Activities As Provided In This Act; To Provide That Employees Of The Authority Serve At The Will And Pleasure Of The President; To Require The Authority To Enter Into Contracts For Major Procurements Only After A Competitive And Open Procurement Process; To Require That Monies Received Be Deposited Into Certain Operating Accounts; To Provide That Division Heads, Officers And Employees Of The Authority Are Public Servants; To Authorize Any Public Agency To Enter Into Certain Contracts With The Authority; To Provide Certain Provisions Relating To Public Convenience And Necessity; To Authorize The Authority To Borrow Money And Issue Bonds And Interim Notes; To Authorize The Authority To Provide For The Appointment Of A Trustee To Represent The Registered Owners Of Any Issue Of Bonds In The Enforcement Or Protection Of Their Rights Under Any Such Resolution, Trust Indenture Or Security Instrument; To Provide That The Authority Is Not Required To Pay Any Tax Or Assessment On Any Property Owned By The Authority Or Upon Any Income Therefrom; To Provide That The State, County, Municipalities Or Public Agencies Within The Geographic Boundaries Of The Authority Are Authorized To Advance, At Any Time, Such Funds Which In Their Discretion Are Necessary, Or Borrow Such Funds By Issuance Of Notes, For Initial Capital Contribution, And To Cover Start-up Costs Until Such Times As Sufficient Bonds, Assets And Revenues Have Been Secured To Satisfy The Needs Of The Authority For Its Management, Operation And Formation; To Bring Forward Section 21-19-1, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Relates To The Role Of Municipal Governing Authorities, For Purpose Of Possible Amendment; To Bring Forward Section 21-19-2, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Relates To The Collection Of Fees And Charges, For Purpose Of Possible Amendment; To Bring Forward Section 27-65-241, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Relates To Special Sales Taxes For Municipalities, For Purpose Of Possible Amendment; To Bring Forward Sections 21-27-11, 21-27-13, 21-27-15, 21-27-17, 21-27-19, 21-27-21, 21-27-23, 21-27-25, 21-27-27, 21-27-29, 21-27-31, 21-27-33, 21-27-35, 21-27-37, 21-27-39, 21-27-40, 21-27-41, 21-27-43, 21-27-45, 21-27-47, 21-27-49, 21-27-51, 21-27-53, 21-27-55, 21-27-57, 21-27-59, 21-27-61, 21-27-63, 21-27-65, 21-27-67, 21-27-69, 21-27-71, 21-27-73 And 21-27-75, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Relate To Municipally Owned Utilities, For Purposes Of Possible Amendment; To Bring Forward Sections 21-33-45 And 27-39-307, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Relate To Municipal Ad Valorem Taxes, For Purposes Of Possible Amendment; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Metro Jackson Water Authority Act, establishes a new public benefit corporation, the Metro Jackson Water Authority, to manage and operate water and wastewater systems in the Metro Jackson area. The Authority will be governed by a thirteen-member Board of Directors, with representation from the cities of Jackson, Byram, and Ridgeland, as well as appointees from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and state officials. The Act mandates that the Authority negotiate a lease agreement with the City of Jackson for its water and wastewater systems and outlines the powers and duties of the Authority, including its ability to borrow money, issue bonds, enter into contracts, and set rates for services. It also addresses the transition from current interim third-party managership, ensures competitive procurement processes for major purchases, and defines employees of the Authority as public servants. The bill further authorizes public agencies to contract with the Authority and includes provisions for the Authority's tax exemption and its ability to borrow funds for initial capital contributions and start-up costs. Finally, it brings forward and potentially amends several existing sections of Mississippi Code related to municipal utilities, sales taxes, and ad valorem taxes to align with the Act's objectives.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/10/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2611.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/SB/2600-2699/SB2611IN.htm |
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