The 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 program will be implemented by July 1, 2026, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for water and wastewater entities to apply for grants on behalf of eligible individuals, detailing the necessary application requirements and the purposes for which the grants can be used, such as preventing service termination or paying past-due bills. The Department is also tasked with issuing annual reports on the program's activities, including the number of grants awarded and the total funds expended. 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