This bill enables county and municipal sewerage and water authorities to provide fee reductions for low-income residents concerning water, sewer, and stormwater charges. Authorities can establish reduced rates for individuals whose household income is at or below a specified percentage of federal poverty guidelines, requiring applicants to be either owners or tenants of a dwelling unit and meet additional criteria. The bill mandates that authorities develop procedures for determining eligibility and publicize these reductions. Furthermore, any fee reductions must be financially feasible, ensuring that authorities have sufficient unrestricted net positions or fund balances to cover potential revenue losses, and they may seek approval from the Director of the Division of Local Government Services if necessary.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to introduce a two percent cap on growth in fee-funded appropriations and charges for regional sewerage and municipal authorities, while allowing for waivers to increase fees to offset revenue losses from the established reductions. It also prohibits standby fees for residential customers with smaller water service lines and requires uniformity in connection fees. The bill includes provisions for stormwater utilities to charge fees based on stormwater runoff contributions and allows for fee reductions for properties implementing effective stormwater management practices. Moreover, it provides for installment payment agreements for delinquent fees, particularly during public health emergencies, ensuring flexibility for residents facing financial hardship.

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