municipal corporations; water supply; rates

HB 2328 amends Arizona law to require municipalities in counties with 1-4 million residents to charge the same water rates to residents living outside their city boundaries as they do to their own residents. This directly affects cities like Mesa or Chandler (if in such a county) that provide water to suburban or unincorporated areas. The key provision prohibits these municipalities from charging higher rates to non-resident customers, ensuring equal pricing for water services regardless of location within the service area. The bill does not change existing rate structures for water provided to other municipalities, which remain subject to prior agreements or cost-based studies. This policy change aims to prevent rate discrimination for customers outside municipal limits.