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HB 5249

AN ACT AMENDING THE CHARTER OF THE SOUTH CENTRAL CONNECTICUT REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY CONCERNING THE POTENTIAL ACQUISITION OF A WATER COMPANY.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Raghib Allie-Brennan and 13 co-sponsors

Expands South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority's charter authority to pursue acquisition of water utility companies, subject to further legislative approval before any transaction.

FILE NO. 379
#publicutilitiesregulatoryauthority #southcentralconnecticutregionalwaterauthority #waterauthorities #watercompanies
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5249

Legislative bill overview

HB 5249 amends the charter of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority to expand its authority to potentially acquire a water company. The bill modifies the legal framework governing the regional water authority's powers, specifically enabling it to pursue acquisition of water utility operations. This charter amendment would need to be approved before any actual acquisition could proceed.

Why is this important

Water utility acquisitions can affect service quality, rates, and local control over essential water infrastructure. For residents and businesses in South Central Connecticut, this bill determines whether their regional water authority can consolidate water services through acquisition, which could influence operational efficiency, pricing, and governance structures. Charter amendments that expand government agency powers typically require careful public deliberation since they affect essential services.

Potential points of contention

  • Rate implications: Whether acquisition would lead to improved efficiency and lower costs or potential rate increases for customers
  • Scope of acquisition authority: The breadth of the amendment's language and whether it provides sufficient guardrails for which water companies can be acquired
  • Local control concerns: How acquisition affects individual municipalities' autonomy over water systems and decision-making authority versus regional consolidation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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