HB 376 - The act authorizes joint municipal utility commissions to develop and own sewer facilities. These commissions are currently authorized to own water, gas and electric services. A joint municipal utility commission is composed of two or more local governments that cooperate to provide services within their geographic area.

This act removes publicly owned water works from the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission, making the law regarding water distribution the same as that for gas and electric distribution. A joint municipal utility commission may not sell water within an area served by a privately owned company unless the territory to be served is within the boundaries of the participating governments and is approved by the Public Service Commission.

The act will become effective only if the voters approve a change in Article VI of the Missouri Constitution authorizing joint municipal utility commissions to own sewer facilities.

The act is similar to SB 538 (1996) and similar provisions are contained in SB 177 (1997).
DAVID VALENTINE