The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1187 seeks to amend current laws concerning the enforcement of unpaid sewer assessments and related fees, particularly focusing on owner-occupied real estate. Key provisions include the establishment of a delinquency threshold, stipulating that no lien for unpaid assessments may be enforced unless the total principal exceeds $3,000 or three years have elapsed since the lien was filed. Additionally, the bill introduces new language allowing municipalities to assign liens under similar conditions, ensuring that these assignments are contingent upon the amount owed and the duration of delinquency.

The bill also modifies the interest rates applicable to delinquent assessments, mandating that interest accrues at a specified rate or a minimum of five dollars, whichever is greater. It clarifies that liens for unpaid sewer connection and use charges will take precedence over other encumbrances, except for taxes, and can be enforced similarly to property tax liens. Overall, Raised Bill No. 1187 aims to provide municipalities with clearer guidelines for managing unpaid sewer assessments while offering protections to homeowners against aggressive collection practices for smaller debts. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025, applying to actions filed on or after that date.

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