HB422
Water utilities; prohibition of multiple rate increases within 3-year period for water utilities.
Status:
Passed
Latest Action:
March 11, 2026
Senate: Passed Senate (28-Y 12-N 0-A)
Chief Patron:
Nicole Cole (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Passed House of Origin. Water utilities; prohibition of multiple rate increases within three-year period for water utilities.
Prohibits a public utility authorized to furnish water or water and sewer service from filing an application for a rate increase more frequently than once in any three-year period. The bill provides exceptions to such prohibition for the utility to file an application (i) for a decrease in rates; (ii) ... (More) limited to a rate adjustment clause, rider, or surcharge; (iii) for a temporary emergency increase in rates; or (iv) for an increase upon a finding by the State Corporation Commission that extraordinary circumstances exist. The provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/12/2026 - House: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103989D
- 01/12/2026 - House: Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce
- 01/19/2026 - House: Assigned HCL sub: Subcommittee #3
- 01/19/2026 - House: Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB422)
- 01/21/2026 - House: Placed on Labor and Commerce Agenda
- 01/23/2026 - House: Placed on Labor and Commerce Agenda
- 01/27/2026 - House: House subcommittee offered
- 01/27/2026 - House: Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (6-Y 1-N)
- 01/28/2026 - House: Placed on Labor and Commerce Agenda
- 01/29/2026 - House: Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute (15-Y 7-N)
- 01/29/2026 - House: Committee substitute printed 26106002D-H1
- 02/02/2026 - House: Read first time
- 02/02/2026 - House: Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB422)
- 02/03/2026 - House: Read second time
- 02/03/2026 - House: committee substitute agreed to
- 02/03/2026 - House: Engrossed by House - committee substitute
- 02/04/2026 - House: Read third time and passed House (69-Y 29-N 0-A)
- 02/05/2026 - Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
- 02/05/2026 - Senate: Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
- 03/09/2026 - Senate: Reported from Commerce and Labor (14-Y 1-N)
- 03/10/2026 - Senate: Rules suspended
- 03/10/2026 - Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)
- 03/10/2026 - Senate: Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
- 03/11/2026 - Senate: Read third time
- 03/11/2026 - Senate: Passed Senate (28-Y 12-N 0-A)
