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PA HB1964
Bill
Status
10/17/2025
Primary Sponsor
Danilo Burgos
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AI Summary
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Imposes a 12-month moratorium on privatization of municipality-owned, county-owned, or authority-owned water and wastewater systems, blocking new sales, acquisitions, and proposals to private or investor-owned entities
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Establishes the Water Utility Reform Working Group, a 17-member body chaired by the PA Public Utility Commission chairperson, to be convened by the Governor within 60 days of the act taking effect
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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
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Repeals 66 Pa.C.S. § 1329, the fair market valuation mechanism enacted through Act 12 of 2016, which the legislature finds has led to rapid privatization and significant rate increases
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Exempts emergency transfers required for public health/safety and commission-ordered acquisitions of small water and sewer utilities under 66 Pa.C.S. § 529 from the moratorium
Legislative Description
Providing for a moratorium on the privatization of public water and wastewater systems; establishing the Water Utility Reform Working Group; and making a repeal relating to valuation of acquired water and wastewater systems.
Last Action
Referred to Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities
10/17/2025