Bill > SB0250

This bill creates a comprehensive low-income water residential affordability program to help eligible customers manage their water bills. An "eligible customer" is defined as a residential customer whose household income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or who receives certain types of government assistance like food stamps, energy assistance, or supplemental security income. The program aims to ensure that eligible customers do not pay more than 3% of their household income on water bills and provides a tiered approach to billing based on income levels. Specifically, households at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines would pay no more than 2% of their income, while those between 135-200% would pay no more than 3%. The bill includes provisions for arrearage forgiveness, with customers potentially receiving up to $1,500 in debt forgiveness after enrollment and continued participation. Water providers will be required to implement the program, either through the state's standard program or by creating their own equivalent program that meets certain criteria. The program will be rolled out in stages, initially applying to providers with 500 or more service connections and eventually expanding to all providers in the state. Additionally, the bill provides for potential minor plumbing repairs (up to $2,500) for eligible customers and establishes a process for income verification and program administration.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0250