This bill aims to provide financial relief to low-income residents in New Jersey by allowing local units and authorities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees based on specific eligibility criteria tied to household income levels. It mandates that county and municipal sewerage authorities, municipal authorities, and local units operating water supply facilities establish reduced rates for individuals whose income is at or below a certain percentage of the federal poverty guidelines. The bill requires these authorities to adopt procedures for determining eligibility and to publicize the availability of fee reductions. Additionally, it stipulates that local authorities must demonstrate sufficient unrestricted net position in their budgets to offset potential revenue losses from these reductions and allows them to seek approval from the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for funding from enterprise funds.

Moreover, the bill introduces amendments to existing laws regarding the management of water supply and sewerage service rates, ensuring uniformity and equity in rates while prohibiting standby fees on residential customers with smaller water service lines. It establishes that fee-funded appropriations for regional sewerage authorities cannot exceed two percent growth per year, with exceptions for capital expenditures, and allows for waivers to increase fees to compensate for revenue losses due to the fee reductions. The bill also provides for installment payment agreements for delinquent service charges, allowing modifications based on financial hardship, and appropriates $200,000 to support the implementation of required rate studies. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the fairness and transparency of water and stormwater management fees while ensuring that local authorities can adequately fund their services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:14A-4.2, 40:14A-8, 40:14B-21, 40A:26B-8, 40A:4-35.2, 40A:5A-10.1, 40:62-83.2, 40:14A-21, 40:14B-42