SB2407

Four-year terms and presidential designation: Directors’ staggered terms change from six years to four. At the first meeting after the effective date, the three directors whose terms would expire July 28, 2031, must draw lots: two terms end July 28, 2029, and one July 28, 2027. The existing 2027 and 2029 cohorts retain their expiration dates. The governor must designate a director as president, serving in that role at the governor’s pleasure. The act does not change the nine-seat board’s existing allocation of five Jefferson County, two Hardin County and two Tyler County residents, or the freehold-property-taxpayer and qualified-voter requirements. Final law, sections 2, 3 and 5; Existing membership qualifications; Prior six-year terms.

Removal grounds and training: New removal grounds include lacking or losing required qualifications, violating the local-official conflict-of-interest law, inability to perform duties for a substantial part of a term because of illness or disability, and missing more than half of eligible regular meetings in a year without a majority-approved excuse. Potential grounds known to the general manager must be reported through the prescribed board officer to the governor and attorney general. A removal ground is not automatic removal, and the new rule preserving board actions despite a removal ground does not erase the separate conflict-of-interest statute. Directors must complete training before voting, deliberating or being counted in attendance; the transition permits participation until December 1, 2025; completion is required for meetings on or after that date. The general manager must distribute an annual training manual, and directors must acknowledge receiving and reviewing it. Final law, sections 3–4; Existing disclosure and abstention rule; Existing effect of a conflict violation.

Complaints, speaking and staff management: The authority must keep a complaint-handling system and records, explain its investigation and resolution procedures, and periodically update the parties unless that would jeopardize an investigation. The board must give the public a reasonable opportunity to appear and speak on matters within the authority’s jurisdiction. Written policies must separate board policy-making from management responsibilities. Employing a general manager was already required; this act adds the separation policy, not that underlying employment duty. Final law, section 3; Existing manager requirement.

Changes during passage: The introduced, Senate committee, Senate-passed and House committee operative texts matched. The sole indexed House floor amendment added the four-year terms and lot-drawing transition; the Senate concurred, and both became law. The other governance provisions were already in the introduced text. Introduced; Senate committee; Senate-passed; House committee; Amendment index; Adopted House amendment.

Compare the published text versions in the official text index. A change is not attributed to a specific amendment here without a verified record.

Residents and water users gain specified complaint-status and public-speaking procedures, while directors face training and accountability requirements. The governor controls the presidential designation. These changes do not guarantee a favorable complaint decision, lower water rates or improved service. The latest fiscal note anticipates no significant state or local fiscal implication, assuming costs can be absorbed with existing resources; it does not establish zero administrative cost. This review does not verify actual appointments, the drawing of lots, training completion or implementation of required policies. Latest posted fiscal note; Final law.