Bill

Bill > HB1677


MS HB1677

MS HB1677
Metro Jackson Water Authority Act; create.


summary

Introduced
01/19/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
02/11/2026
Passed
04/08/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/08/2026

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
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 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 Amend Section 21-19-1, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Authorize Certain Municipal Governing Authorities To Dedicate A Portion Of The Rates, Fees And Charges For Collecting And Disposing Of Garbage To The Payment Of Principal Of And Interest On Bonds Or Notes Issued By A Public Authority; To Amend Section 21-19-2, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Authorize A Municipal Governing Authority To Enter Into Certain Contracts Upon Mutual Agreement With Certain Counties; To Amend Section 21-27-57, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Update Language In The Section; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill, titled 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 Act is a response to ongoing issues with the City of Jackson's water and wastewater systems, which have been under federal court oversight with an interim third-party manager (ITPM). The Authority will be governed by a nine-member Board of Directors appointed by various state and local officials, and it is tasked with negotiating a lease agreement with the City of Jackson for its water and wastewater assets. The Authority will have broad powers, including the ability to borrow money, issue bonds, enter into contracts, and set rates for services, with the goal of ensuring safe, clean, and reliable water and wastewater services at affordable rates. The bill also includes provisions for the appointment of a president to oversee daily operations, outlines procurement processes, and clarifies the roles of public servants and the Authority's tax-exempt status. Additionally, it amends existing laws to allow municipalities to dedicate a portion of garbage collection fees to support public authorities and to facilitate agreements between municipalities and counties for billing and collection services.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Approved by Governor (on 04/08/2026)

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