PA HB1954

Imposes a 12-month moratorium on the privatization of municipality-owned, county-owned, or authority-owned water and wastewater systems, prohibiting new sales, transfers, or acquisition applications to private entities during this period.

Establishes the Water Utility Reform Working Group, a 17-member body chaired by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission chairperson, to be convened by the Governor within 60 days of the act's effective date.

Requires the working group to develop and deliver a comprehensive policy report within 10 months addressing equitable rate structures, public ownership protections, regulatory oversight, transaction transparency, and drinking water safety.

Repeals 66 Pa.C.S. § 1329, the "fair market valuation" provision enacted through Act 12 of 2016, which the bill cites as having led to rapid privatization and significant consumer rate increases.

Exempts emergency transfers required for public health and safety, as well as PUC-ordered acquisitions of small failing water and sewer utilities under 66 Pa.C.S. § 529.