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S 1444

Prohibits sewerage authority from imposing connection fee in certain circumstances.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Troy Singleton and 2 co-sponsors

Prohibits new sewer connection/tapping fees on redeveloped properties with 20+ years of prior sewer service, unless additions/alterations/changes require modifying the connection.

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · S 1444

Summary — S.1444 (Senate bill)

Status: Referred to Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee (reported out of Senate Community & Urban Affairs Committee with amendments on Nov. 10, 2025)
Introduced: April 10, 2025
Short title / subject: Prohibits sewerage authority from imposing connection fee in certain circumstances — encourages redevelopment of previously-served properties

Purpose / intent

The bill is intended to encourage redevelopment of obsolete or vacant properties by removing a potential financial barrier: it limits when a sewerage authority may impose a new sewer connection (or tapping) fee on a redeveloper or occupant of property that previously had a sewer connection.

Key provisions

  • Prohibition on new connection fees: A sewerage authority shall not impose a new connection or tapping fee on the owner or occupant of a property being redeveloped if the property has been connected to the sewerage system for 20 or more years.
  • Exception for material changes: As amended by committee, a sewerage authority is permitted to impose a new connection or tapping fee where the redevelopment involves an addition, alteration, or change of use — including situations that require modification and relocation of an existing sewer connection.
  • Coverage regardless of prior inactivity: The exclusion applies even if the property has not been in active use for a period of time since the original connection.
  • Reimbursement of fees paid under protest: If, before the bill’s enactment, a sewerage authority imposed and the owner or occupant paid a new connection/tapping fee under protest that would be barred by this bill, the authority must reimburse the fee amount.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Redevelopers, property owners, and occupants of properties that were connected to a public sewer for 20+ years — particularly owners of long-vacant or obsolete sites being brought back into use.
  • Sewerage authorities and their fee policies; they retain the ability to charge fees in projects involving additions, alterations, changes of use, or relocation/modification of connections.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced April 10, 2025.
  • Reported favorably with committee amendments by the Senate Community & Urban Affairs Committee on Nov. 10, 2025; referred to Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
  • If enacted, the reimbursement requirement applies retroactively to fees paid in protest before the law’s effective date.

Potential impact

  • Lowers an economic impediment to reusing previously sewered parcels by eliminating potentially large connection charges where reuse does not materially change sewer demand or connection configuration.
  • Preserves sewer authorities’ ability to require fees where redevelopment materially alters the connection, capacity needs, or use of the property.

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

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