Water Rate Assistance Program.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Passed
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill establishes the Water Rate Assistance Program to provide water affordability assistance to low-income residential ratepayers served by eligible community water systems. It creates the Water Rate Assistance Fund within the State Treasury, which will be funded through appropriations and potentially other sources. The bill requires the State Water Resources Control Board to develop guidelines for program implementation, track revenue, and report on program performance. It also includes provisions to prevent perjury and establish a process for distributing funds to eligible systems, with specific requirements for minimum assistance levels and oversight.
Key provisions
- Establishes the Water Rate Assistance Fund in the State Treasury.
- Requires the State Water Resources Control Board to develop program guidelines and an annual report.
- Defines ‘low-income’ based on 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
- Requires eligible systems to confirm eligibility through self-certification.
- Mandates a minimum flat bill credit of $20 per month for low-income ratepayers.
- Allows eligible systems to enter into funding agreements with various entities.
- Establishes a process for the State Board to track and manage revenue in the fund.
- Requires the State Board to provide guidance, oversight, and funding for low-income rate assistance.
Who is affected
- Low-income residential ratepayers
- Community water systems
- State Water Resources Control Board
Bill text
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