HB422Introduced in the House of Delegates
Water utilities; prohibition of multiple rate increases within 3-year period for water utilities.
Introduced by Nicole Cole, District 66
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Water utilities; prohibition of multiple rate increases within three-year period for water utilities. Prohibits a public utility authorized to furnish water or water and sewer service from filing an application for a rate increase more frequently than once in any three-year period. The bill provides exceptions to such prohibition for the utility to file an application (i) for a decrease in rates; (ii) limited to a rate adjustment clause, rider, or surcharge; (iii) for a temporary emergency increase in rates; or (iv) for an increase upon a finding by the State Corporation Commission that extraordinary circumstances exist. The provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly.
Where it stands
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0390)
April 8, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
SenateStage: Passed Senate (28-Y 12-N 0-A) · March 11, 2026
28
Yes
12
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
40 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Bennett-Parker | 5 | Yes |
| Michael Jones | 77 | Yes |
| Timmy French | 1 | No |
| Mark Obenshain | 2 | No |
| Chris Head | 3 | No |
| David Suetterlein | 4 | Yes |
| Travis Hackworth | 5 | No |
| Todd Pillion | 6 | No |
| William Stanley | 7 | Yes |
| Mark Peake | 8 | No |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103989D
Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce
Assigned HCL sub: Subcommittee #3
Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB422)
House subcommittee offered
Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (6-Y 1-N)
Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute (15-Y 7-N)
Committee substitute printed 26106002D-H1
Read first time
Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB422)
Read second time
committee substitute agreed to
Engrossed by House - committee substitute
Read third time and passed House (69-Y 29-N 0-A)
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
Reported from Commerce and Labor (14-Y 1-N)
Rules suspended
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)
Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
Read third time
Passed Senate (28-Y 12-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB422ER)
Signed by President
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB422)
Approved by Governor - Chapter 390 (effective - see bill)
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0390)
Verify the information
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