Bill > HB3527

This bill establishes the Public Drinking Water, Stormwater and Sewer Ratepayer Assistance Fund to help low-income households pay their water, stormwater, and sewer utility bills. The fund will be housed in the State Treasury and can receive money from various sources, including gifts, grants, and donations. The Housing and Community Services Department will be responsible for providing grants from this fund to qualified organizations, which can include nonprofit community-based organizations like housing authorities, community action agencies, and public utilities that provide water, stormwater, or sewer services. When creating rules for administering the fund, the department will consider other utility bill payment assistance programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act. The bill also appropriates $11 million from the General Fund to the new assistance fund for the 2025-2027 biennium, with the legislation taking effect 91 days after the 2025 regular legislative session adjourns. The primary goal is to provide financial support to low-income residential households struggling to pay essential water and utility services.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3527