IL HB3885

Reduces the customer connection threshold for defining "large public utility" in water and sewer utility valuation from 30,000 to 15,000 customer connections under the Public Utilities Act.

Establishes procedures for investor-owned public utilities acquiring water or sewer utilities, including appraisal requirements by three disinterested state-certified appraisers to determine fair market value.

Requires public utilities owning acquired water/sewer utilities to inform the public through meetings and newspaper notices of acquisition terms and customer assistance options.

Sets rate protections for acquired utility customers, capping bill increases at 1.5% of median household income and allowing lesser rates in the first two rate cases after acquisition.

Requires contractors working on acquired utilities to be responsible bidders, enter project labor agreements for new facilities, and offers employment to qualified employees of the acquired utility.