Water rate assistance program.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill creates a Water Rate Assistance Program, allowing public urban retail water suppliers to offer financial assistance to low-income ratepayers. It defines ‘water rate assistance’ as various forms of bill reduction or credit and specifies eligible ratepayers, primarily those with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. Suppliers can utilize existing funds or seek voluntary contributions to support the program, and are required to report program details to the State Water Resources Control Board.
Key provisions
- Authorizes public urban retail water suppliers to provide water rate assistance to eligible ratepayers.
- Defines ‘water rate assistance’ as bill reductions, credits, or crisis assistance.
- Specifies eligible ratepayers as those with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
- Allows suppliers to use existing funds or voluntary contributions to finance the program.
- Requires suppliers to include program details in annual technical reports to the State Water Resources Control Board, starting January 1, 2028.
- Mandates a State Water Resources Control Board survey of urban retail water suppliers by July 1, 2026.
- Repeals existing requirements related to the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program.
- Establishes Chapter 6.6 in the Health and Safety Code to govern the new program.
Who is affected
- Low-income households
Bill text
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