MN HF3849

Establishes the Municipal Water Consumer Protection Act of 2010 as state policy that residential water service availability and continuity is a government benefit to which Minnesota citizens are entitled.

Creates comprehensive requirements for municipal water service including application procedures, deposit regulations, meter installation standards, billing practices, and dispute resolution processes.

Provides consumer protections including prohibitions on disconnection during extreme weather (April 15-October 14) for low-income customers in installment payment agreements, health threat protections, and restrictions on disconnection timing and notice requirements.

Establishes hardship assessment deferrals for seniors 65+, permanently disabled persons, and military members called to active duty, requiring municipalities to adopt standards for determining hardship eligibility.

Allows municipalities to establish affordable programs and lower rates for low-income customers at or below 50 percent of state median income, and permits tenants to pay current water charges to avoid landlord-caused disconnections.