Water Companies and Sewage Disposal Companies - Eminent Domain Proceedings and Service Rates

SB 799 prevents the Public Service Commission from approving rate increases for water or sewage disposal companies if a county or municipality has started or plans to start an eminent domain proceeding against them. It also requires fact finders in such eminent domain cases to consider two specific factors: necessary system upgrades for safe service and potential bill reductions for customers if the company is acquired by a local government. The bill amends Maryland's public utilities and real property laws to implement these changes, taking effect October 1, 2026. This directly affects water/sewage companies and local governments pursuing asset acquisition through eminent domain.