Water supply: systems and utilities; water affordability and transparency act; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0248'25, SB 0250'25
Impact
The establishment of the office of residential water affordability, within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is a key element of the bill. This office will be responsible for tracking data on water service providers in the state and their respective residential water affordability programs. By ensuring that this information is publicly accessible via a dedicated website, the bill promotes transparency and accountability among water providers while helping low-income families understand their options for assistance.
Summary
Senate Bill 251, titled the 'Water Affordability and Transparency Act', seeks to improve access to safe and affordable water for residents in Michigan. The bill mandates that all state departments and agencies establish criteria related to residential water affordability. It emphasizes the need for every individual to access safe, clean, and affordable water for personal use, especially for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. To facilitate the implementation of these standards, the bill requires departments to revise and adopt necessary policies and regulations without compromising eligibility for federal funding.
Contention
Although the bill addresses significant public health concerns regarding water access, there may be arguments around its implications for existing water systems. Critics might contend that the establishment of affordability criteria could pose challenges for water suppliers, particularly in terms of revenue and resource allocation. Furthermore, it does not expand the state’s obligations under current water infrastructure, raising questions about how new affordability criteria will be met without additional costs to local agencies or new burdens on existing water utilities.
Same As
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 0252'25, SB 0249'25
Same As
Human services: services or financial assistance; water rate affordability fund; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 14t. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0250'25, SB 0252'25
Human services: services or financial assistance; low-income water residential affordability program task force; create. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 14q. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0248'25, SB 0250'25, SB 0252'25
Human services: services or financial assistance; water rate affordability fund; provide for. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 14t. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0250'25, SB 0252'25
Relating to certain municipal regulation of certain mixed-use and multifamily residential development projects and conversion of certain commercial buildings to mixed-use and multifamily residential occupancy.
In tenement buildings and multiple dwelling premises, further providing for definitions and providing for borrowing requirements, for abandonment of residential rental property and for maintenance by receiver; and imposing penalties.