The "Water Shutoff Protection Act" is designed to regulate retail water service providers in Michigan, focusing on the protection of vulnerable customers from service shutoffs due to nonpayment. The bill introduces definitions for "critical care customers," who require uninterrupted water service for medical needs, and "eligible customers," who meet specific income criteria or receive assistance. It mandates that providers must follow a series of notification steps before shutting off service and prohibits shutoffs for customers enrolled in payment plans or water affordability programs. Additionally, it requires prompt restoration of service upon resolution of the cause for shutoff and emphasizes compliance with water affordability programs.

The legislation also includes provisions to protect eligible customers from service shut-offs if funding for the low-income water residential affordability program is insufficient, ensuring that compliant customers retain access to water services. It empowers the Attorney General or any residential customer to enforce the act through civil action, allowing for the pursuit of damages or injunctive relief for violations. Furthermore, the bill mandates equal language access for customers with limited English proficiency and restricts political subdivisions from enacting conflicting regulations. The act is set to take effect two years after its enactment, pending the passage of related legislation.