Bill S. 829 seeks to amend various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning the governance and operational procedures of joint authority water and sewer systems. Key changes include the introduction of new definitions in Section 6-25-20, revisions to application requirements in Section 6-25-50, and alternative methods for appointing commissioners in Section 6-25-60. The bill also outlines procedures for commissioner appointments when new members join a joint system in Section 6-25-70, and it provides guidelines for the dissolution and reconstitution of joint systems in Section 6-25-80. Additionally, it specifies procedures for bond issuance by a commission appointed entirely by the Governor in Section 6-25-110 and allows for automatic extensions of contract provisions in Section 6-25-128.

The proposed amendments aim to enhance the governance structure of joint systems, streamline the commissioner appointment process, and clarify procedures for membership changes and system dissolution. The bill ensures that upon dissolution, all funds and property are distributed to voting members according to bylaws, and it allows for the reconstitution of joint systems with specific conditions for former members to withdraw. Furthermore, it modifies provisions related to debt incurrence and bond issuance, allowing joint systems to issue bonds without separate approval from member governing bodies and enabling long-term contracts for capacity and output sales. Overall, the bill emphasizes the financial responsibilities of member authorities to generate sufficient revenue to meet their obligations to the joint system.

Statutes affected:
01/20/2026: 6-25-20, 6-25-50, 6-25-60, 6-25-70, 6-25-80, 6-25-110, 6-25-128
Latest Version: 6-25-20, 6-25-50, 6-25-60, 6-25-70, 6-25-80, 6-25-110, 6-25-128