Human services: services or financial assistance; water rate affordability program; create. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding secs. 14n, 14o, 14p, 14r, 14s & 14u. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0248'25, SB 0249'25, SB 0252'25
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill creates a low-income water residential affordability program in Michigan to help eligible residents manage their water bills. It establishes criteria for determining eligibility, including household income, participation in other assistance programs, and potential for plumbing repairs. The program aims to limit water bill payments to a maximum of 3% of household income and offers potential for arrearage forgiveness for enrolled customers. The bill also allows providers to create their own affordability programs or collaborate on a shared program, subject to department approval.
Key provisions
- Establishes a low-income water residential affordability program with eligibility based on household income and participation in certain assistance programs.
- Limits monthly water bill payments for eligible customers to a maximum of 3% of their household income.
- Allows for arrearage forgiveness for enrolled customers, with potential for full forgiveness after 24 months of consistent payments.
- Provides a mechanism for providers to create or collaborate on their own affordability programs, subject to department approval.
- Requires providers to notify customers about the availability of the affordability program.
- Establishes a task force to advise the department on the program's implementation and operation.
- Allows for waivers to include households with incomes slightly above the established thresholds.
- Addresses the collection of water bills and potential for forgiveness of outstanding balances.
Bill text
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