Senate Bill 240 Summary

• Creates a low-income water residential affordability program within the state Department of Human Services to help eligible customers reduce or retire water and sewerage bill arrearages and ensure monthly bills are based on household income.

• Defines eligible customers as those with household income not exceeding 200% of federal poverty guidelines or those receiving state emergency relief, food assistance, medical assistance, or other public assistance.

• Requires the department to complete income eligibility reviews within 30 days of receiving a nonaffordability application and directs providers to freeze shutoff proceedings during the review period.

• Establishes a task force within 30 days of the effective date to advise on program best practices and create an implementation plan by March 1, 2020, for rollout by October 1, 2020.

• Creates a dedicated low-income water residential affordability program fund within the state treasury to receive voluntary contributions, appropriated funds, and other sources to cover program administration and customer subsidies.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment only if Senate Bill 241 is also enacted into law (tie-bar provision).