Bill > HB921

This bill establishes a Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) within the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (formerly Department of Public Welfare), which will provide financial assistance to eligible low-income residents for overdue water and wastewater system bills. The program, set to be implemented by July 1, 2026, will help customers who are facing service termination due to unpaid bills. To qualify, individuals must own or rent a home in Pennsylvania, be responsible for water or wastewater bills, have overdue bills that have resulted in arrears or termination notices, and meet income guidelines determined by the department. Water or wastewater system entities can apply for grants on behalf of eligible customers, and these grants can be used to prevent service termination, pay past-due bills, or restore terminated services. The department is required to submit annual reports to various state government leaders detailing program participation, grant amounts, and total expenditures, and these reports will be published on the department's public website. The program will be implemented through rules and regulations developed by the department, with a focus on helping customers after the conclusion of the temporary federal LIHWAP program.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=921