Subcommittee gives favorable report to bill clarifying formation of regional water and sewer authorities

The Law Subcommittee reported favorably on S.829, sponsored by Senator Alexander, which updates South Carolina law for joint water and sewer authorities and clarifies how such regional entities are created, governed, financed and expanded. The committee advanced the bill by roll call after a motion to adopt without amendment.

The bill clarifies key definitions, streamlines the process for forming a joint system through the Secretary of State, and provides greater flexibility in how governing commissions are structured and appointed, including options for gubernatorial appointments. It also revises rules on adding or withdrawing member governments, dissolving or reconstituting systems, issuing bonds and approving financing, and strengthens provisions for long‑term service contracts, financing pools and cost sharing among members to help regional systems fund and operate water and wastewater infrastructure while clarifying obligations for participating entities.

A motion to adopt S.829 without amendment was placed on the floor (the motion was announced as coming from Representative Mitchell). The committee ordered a roll call. The Clerk recorded: Representative Jordan — Aye; Representative Bamberg — not voting; Representative Mitchell — Aye; Representative Newton — Aye; Representative Wetmore — Aye. The bill received a favorable report with four in favor and one not voting and was advanced by the subcommittee.

The moderator characterized the measure as noncontroversial and noted there were no registered speakers on this item. The committee’s favorable report moves S.829 forward in the legislative process; the transcript records a prior Senate vote as 40‑0 as noted during the discussion.