This bill amends the Human Services Code to establish a Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, which will be administered by the Department of Human Services. The program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals who are customers of water or wastewater systems in Pennsylvania, specifically for overdue bills that may lead to service termination. The Department is required to develop eligibility criteria, which include home ownership or rental status, financial responsibility for water bills, and compliance with income guidelines. The bill also outlines the application process for water and wastewater entities to apply for grants on behalf of eligible individuals.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Human Services issue annual reports detailing the program's activities, including the entities that applied for and received grants, the number of customers assisted, and the total funds expended. The Department is also granted rulemaking authority to implement the program effectively. Notably, the bill replaces the term "Public Welfare" with "Human Services" in the relevant legal language, reflecting a broader scope of services provided by the department.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 970 (Mar 17, 2025): P.L.31, No.21
Printer's No. 0970: P.L.31, No.21