Panel approves HB 13 to let municipalities use political‑subdivision liens with notification safeguards

The House Political Subdivisions Committee voted to adopt the first substitute to HB 13 and to favorably recommend the bill, which extends a political‑subdivision lien process commonly used by special service districts to municipalities, with added notification requirements.

Representative Cutler, the sponsor, explained that political‑subdivision liens let utilities place unpaid service fees on the property tax roll rather than relying on turn‑offs or private collections. He said the process protects vulnerable residents by ensuring continued essential services (water/sewer) while allowing utilities to recover long‑overdue debts.

Cutler said many utilities already use the process when bills exceed local thresholds (one example cited was filing after $200 outstanding and 90 days past due) and typically follow multiple notification steps (mail, phone, email, text, and door hanger). The substitute adds a requirement that municipalities notify both the billed customer and the property owner identified on the tax roll, addressing concerns about renters and landlords.

Stakeholders including Jared Tingey of the League of Cities and Towns testified in favor; one public commenter, Gloria Vindez, said she was concerned the change would increase the power of special districts and create burdens for renters and property managers. Sponsors responded that special districts already have similar lien authority and the bill formalizes a practice with additional notice safeguards.

The committee adopted the substitute and then voted to favorably recommend HB 13 out of committee; recorded committee action indicated a 6–1 tally on a related vote during the hearing. The bill will move to the next stage in the legislative process.