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Bill > S2388


NJ S2388

NJ S2388
Requires advance notice of water supply discontinuations for non-payment of local government water bills; requires offer of payment plan in certain circumstances.


summary

Introduced
01/29/2024
In Committee
01/29/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would require local government water purveyors to provide written notice at least 15 days in advance of discontinuing water supply to a property due to the non-payment of water bills. The bill would also require these local government water purveyors to offer a payment plan if a reasonable request is made before the scheduled date of the water supply discontinuation. The supply of water is a vital and basic need, and every effort should be made to ensure that there is a reasonable opportunity to address any payment issues in order to maintain water supply services. The notice required under the bill would have to be sent to the property owner, the last customer of record, if different, and also to the affected property itself, by hand-delivery, mail, or posting, in order to ensure that any tenant who may not be the customer of record has an opportunity to address the unpaid water bills. If the property is a multiple dwelling, the tenant notice would also have to be posted in the common areas of the building.

AI Summary

This bill requires local government water providers, referred to as "municipal authorities" or "local units," to provide written notice at least 15 days before shutting off water to a property due to unpaid bills. This notice must be sent to the property owner, the last person billed if different, and any tenants who might not be the primary customer of record, with specific instructions for notifying tenants in multi-unit buildings. Crucially, if a reasonable request is made by the owner, billed customer, or tenant before the scheduled shut-off, the water provider must offer a payment plan to prevent the discontinuation of water service, recognizing water as a vital necessity.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/29/2024)

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