HEA 1267 Summary

• Establishes a Water Infrastructure Task Force composed of 2 state senators, 2 house members, and governor-appointed representatives from state agencies, system operators, engineers, ratepayers, and the general public, with legislative co-chairs.

• Task force must examine recommended standards and best practices for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems; analyze whether Indiana systems are meeting standards; assess funding adequacy; and evaluate potential benefits of regional water infrastructure.

• Requires task force to create a decision-making tool for policymakers to prioritize water infrastructure funding based on public health, safety, economic development, and ratepayer value.

• Mandates task force develop a long-term plan with recommendations to the legislature and governor by December 1, 2018, including outcomes, metrics, funding mechanisms, financial burden allocation, and proposed legislation for 2019.

• Directs Indiana Finance Authority to contract for a study of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System stormwater program needs by December 1, 2019, and urges legislative council to study non-point source water quality impacts.