Bill > HB5171

This bill, known as the "Household Water Lien Prohibition Act," prevents water authorities from placing or acquiring liens on residential properties for water, sewage, or stormwater management services. The bill defines a "water authority" as any entity (such as a local government unit, corporation, authority, or utility) that provides these services and sets rates and charges. Specifically, the legislation prohibits water authorities from creating new liens on residential properties for these services and dissolves any existing liens created under a previous law (1939 PA 178). The bill applies to all local government units, including counties, townships, cities, and villages, and effectively removes the legal mechanism for water service providers to use property liens as a collection method for unpaid water-related service fees. By repealing the previous act that allowed such liens, the bill provides protection for homeowners from having their property encumbered due to outstanding water service charges.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5171