MI SB0346

Decriminalizes restoring water service to one's own residence after shutoff due to inability to pay, treating it as a civil infraction instead of a crime if no backflow prevention device is damaged.

Establishes tiered civil infraction penalties for water service restoration: first offense up to 50 hours community service; second offense up to $250 fine or 50 hours community service; third or subsequent offense up to $500 fine or 100 hours community service.

Requires courts to refer persons cited for water service restoration violations to water assistance or affordability programs if available.

Maintains criminal penalties for other utility tampering violations: misdemeanor for damages/use under $500, felony for damages/use over $500.

Takes effect 90 days after enactment.