The state Senate has sent to the governor a bill that would allow counties to deal with local drainage problems on private property.

The bill, passed Wednesday, had already been approved by the House.

Under present state law, public workers can to go onto private property inside municipalities but county employees cannot do that outside city limits.

The bill, which takes effect July 1 if signed by the governor, would extend that right to county workers.

Backers say county workers still would have to obtain homeowners’ permission before going on their property.

The bill is House Bill 204.