MI HB5088

Creates a low-income water residential affordability program within the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure eligible customers' water bills do not exceed 2-3% of household income depending on income tier, with program implementation 18 months after fund collection begins.

Defines eligible customers as those with household income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines or receiving benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, LIHEAP, WIC, or weatherization assistance.

Establishes a task force to advise on program administration, develop guidance by 9 months after enactment, create educational materials, and seek additional funding sources for the program.

Provides arrearage forgiveness of up to $1,500 upon enrollment and additional forgiveness after 12 and 24 months of timely payments; providers may not certify forgiven arrears to property tax.

Allows water providers to design their own affordability programs meeting department criteria or use the state program; applications to the state program are forwarded to providers with their own programs.