SB 343 - Water Shutoff Protection Act

• Requires water providers to give customers 60-90 days' written notice before shutoff, plus a second notice 10 days before shutoff, and make personal visits and phone calls at least one week before shutoff for nonpayment.

• Prohibits shutoff during heating season and for critical care customers, seniors (62+), customers with dependent children, pregnant women, infants, and permanently disabled individuals if they provide documentation.

• Requires providers to offer payment plans where monthly payments do not exceed 2% of household income for customers earning up to 200% of federal poverty level, and delays shutoff for 30 days if customer submits a nonaffordability application.

• Prohibits shutoff if customer disputes the bill, has entered a payment plan or water affordability program, or paid current month's bill in full (excluding arrearages).

• Limits restoration charges to $150 or actual cost (whichever is less) and allows customers to pursue civil action against providers for violations, with prevailing customers entitled to attorney fees.