NJ A2855

Establishes the "Household Water Assistance Program" within the Department of Community Affairs to provide financial assistance for water, sewer, and stormwater utility services to low-income households with income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, regardless of immigration status

Appropriates $75 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds to the newly created "Household Water Assistance Fund" to cover direct assistance, crisis intervention, water efficiency repairs, and debt relief for unpaid water bills

Creates a "Household Water Assistance Advisory Group" appointed by the Governor, including representatives from water utilities, low-income advocacy organizations, housing providers, municipal officials, and technical experts to advise on program development

Requires the Board of Public Utilities to establish data-sharing mechanisms with electric and gas utilities to identify customers already enrolled in low-income energy assistance programs for streamlined enrollment

Mandates annual expenditure plans with public hearings, performance metrics tracking enrollment and disconnection rates by municipality and utility, and limits administrative costs to 10% of available funds