The proposed bill amends the Social Welfare Act to establish a low-income water residential affordability program in Michigan, aimed at assisting eligible residential customers whose household incomes do not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or who receive specific forms of assistance. The program will help reduce or forgive water bill arrearages and ensure that monthly water bills do not exceed 3% of household income. The Department of Health and Human Services will be responsible for administering the program, which includes developing a policy manual, conducting income eligibility reviews, and creating a task force for oversight. Water service providers are required to inform customers about the program and promote its availability.

Additionally, the bill allows water service providers to collaborate on their own low-income affordability programs, provided they meet the established criteria. It specifies that customers already enrolled in existing affordability programs do not need to reapply for the new program. Providers must submit detailed plans for their programs for departmental approval, and if their programs are more generous than the existing ones, they must secure additional funding. The bill also allows for combined programs among providers and mandates that those failing to administer their programs for two consecutive years must revert to enrolling eligible customers in the affordability program. It clarifies that the new legislation supersedes conflicting local ordinances and outlines the application process for customers of providers with their own programs. The enactment of this bill is contingent upon the passage of related legislation.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 400.1, 400.119