MI SB0248

Creates the Low-Income Water Residential Affordability Fund within the state treasury to help low-income residents pay water bills through income-based discounts, bill caps, arrearage payments, and water loss mitigation programs

Establishes a funding factor fee starting at $1.25 per month per retail water meter, increasing by $0.25 annually from January 2026 through December 2029, with a maximum cap of $3.00

Allocates fund expenditures as follows: 5% to the department for administrative costs, $425,000 to the Department of Treasury, and the remaining balance to providers for program implementation (up to 15% for administrative costs) and customer assistance

Caps water loss mitigation programs at $15,000,000 for services such as home plumbing audits and minor plumbing repairs administered by third-party organizations

Requires annual reporting by July 1 to the legislature on funding factor collections, disbursements to providers, administrative costs, and program recommendations; bill is contingent on passage of Senate Bills 250 and 252