Bill > HB4555

This bill establishes a comprehensive water affordability program in Michigan designed to help low-income residents maintain access to water services. The bill creates an income rate program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services that allows qualified customers (individuals with household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level or receiving certain public assistance) to have their water bills capped at a percentage of their household income (ranging from 2% to 3% depending on income level). The program includes several key protections, such as preventing water service shutoffs for qualified and protected customers (like senior citizens, pregnant individuals, and those with critical medical conditions), providing a triage process for customers struggling to make payments, and offering arrearage forgiveness for participants who maintain consistent payments. The bill also requires water systems to provide multiple notifications before potential service shutoffs, develop clear policies for service interruption, and ensures that customers cannot be discriminated against for participating in the program. Importantly, the law allows for civil enforcement by customers or the attorney general, and prohibits local governments from creating conflicting regulations. The overall goal is to ensure that water remains affordable and accessible for vulnerable populations while maintaining a sustainable system for water providers.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4555