IL SB1724

Government Finance Research Center at University of Illinois at Chicago must issue a report evaluating water rate-setting practices by December 1, 2020 for the Lake Michigan service area of northeastern Illinois and by December 1, 2021 for the remainder of Illinois.

Report must address water bill components, reasons for rate increases, affordability definitions across the state, inappropriate rate-setting practices, state and local policy impacts, challenges in economically disadvantaged communities, and opportunities for intergovernmental coordination.

An intergovernmental advisory committee must be formed including representatives from state agencies (Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resources, Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Attorney General, State Water Survey, Illinois Commerce Commission), private water utilities, municipal water utilities, environmental justice organizations, consumer advocacy organizations, and environmental planning organizations.

Government Finance Research Center must provide a 60-day public comment period on the report questions, metrics, and recommendations within 60 days of the effective date.

The reporting requirement is repealed on January 1, 2022.