Subject


Section 2 of Chapter 2012-187, Laws of Florida, creates a Study Committee on Investor-Owned Water and Wastewater Utility Systems (Study Committee). The purpose of the Study Committee is to identify issues of concern of investor-owned water and wastewater utility systems, particularly small systems, and their customers and research possible solutions. In addition, the committee shall consider: (a) the ability of a small investor-owned water or wastewater utility to achieve economies of scale when purchasing equipment, commodities, or services; (b) the availability of low interest loans to a small, privately owned water or wastewater utility; (c) any tax incentives or exemptions, temporary or permanent, which are available to a small water or wastewater utility; (d) the impact on customer rates if a utility purchases an existing water or wastewater utility system; (e) the impact on customer rates of a utility providing service through the use of a reseller; and (f) other issues that the committee identifies during its investigation. By February 15, 2013, the Study Commission shall provide the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a report detailing its findings and making specific legislative recommendations, including proposed legislation intended to implement its recommendations. The Study Committee will be meeting over the next several months to accomplish the purposes identified in the legislation.