Amended IN Senate April 05, 2021 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 222Introduced by Senator Dodd(Coauthor: Senator Gonzalez)(Coauthors: Senators Gonzalez and Wiener)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Bloom Bloom, Lorena Gonzalez, Mathis, and Robert Rivas)January 14, 2021 An act to add Section 12087.8 to the Government Code, and to add Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) to Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to water. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 222, as amended, Dodd. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program.Existing law, the California Safe Drinking Water Act, requires the State Water Resources Control Board to administer provisions relating to the regulation of drinking water to protect public health. Existing law declares it to be the established policy of the state that every human being has the right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes. Existing law requires the state board, by January 1, 2018, to develop a plan for the funding and implementation of the Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Program, as prescribed. Existing law requires the state board, by February 1, 2018, to report to the Legislature on its findings regarding the feasibility, financial stability, and desired structure of the program, including any recommendations for legislative action that may need to be taken.This bill would establish the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund in the State Treasury to help provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. The bill would require the Department of Community Services and Development to develop and administer the program. The bill would make moneys in the fund available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide, in consultation with the state board, as part of the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established by the bill, direct water bill assistance, water bill credits, water crisis assistance, affordability assistance, and short-term technical assistance to small public water systems to administer program components. systems. The bill would authorize the department, in consultation with the state board, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The bill would impose requirements on the state board department, in consultation with the state board, in connection with the program, including, among others, developing guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program by January 1, 2023, consulting with an advisory group, and adopting an annual fund expenditure plan.The bill would require, by July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission to establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to, and would authorize the state board department to require local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities to, regularly share specified customer data with the state board, department, subject to certain confidentiality protections. To the extent this provision would impose new requirements on local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 12087.8 is added to the Government Code, to read:12087.8. The department shall develop and administer the Water Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code and expend moneys appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of the program.SECTION 1.SEC. 2. Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) is added to Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, to read: CHAPTER 6.5. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program Article 1. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund116930. (a) The Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund is hereby established in the State Treasury to provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. Moneys in the fund shall be available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide provide, in consultation with the state board, all of the following:(1) Direct water bill assistance.(2) Water bill credits to renters and individuals or households that pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water or wastewater service.(3) Water crisis assistance.(4) Affordability assistance to low-income households served by domestic wells.(5) Water efficiency measures for low-income households.(6) Short-term Technical assistance to for small public water systems to administer program components, including initial startup costs. systems.(b) The department, in consultation with the state board, may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The scope of work for the fund administrator may include, but is not limited to, eligibility determination, call center services, internet-based enrollments, and document intake and processing. (b)(c) The state board department may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys from the fund for reasonable regulatory costs associated with the administration of this chapter, not to exceed 5 10 percent of the annual deposits into the fund.116930.1. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the fund:(a) Track and manage revenue in the fund separately from all other revenue.(b) Develop and implement a process for disbursing program funds to public water systems or third-party providers, providers for direct payments to community water systems, including controls to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(c) Manage and maintain fund balances in conjunction with the Controller, the Treasurer, the California State Auditors Office, and the Department of Finance, as appropriate.(d) Expend, upon appropriation by the Legislature, moneys in the fund for grants, contracts, direct monetary assistance, or services to assist eligible recipients.(e) (1) Verify the eligibility of each recipient, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(2) Establish a process to regularly confirm the eligibility of recipients, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(3) The verification requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be carried out by the third-party fund administrator described in subdivision (b) of Section 116930. Article 2. Program Implementation116931. (a) The department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, by January 1, 2023, develop guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program.(b) In developing the guidelines, the state board department shall consult with an advisory group that includes representatives of all of the following:(1) Public water systems.(2) Technical assistance providers, including organizations that support the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.(3) Local agencies, including agencies that manage multifamily housing serving low-income residents.(4) Nongovernmental organizations that work with residents of disadvantaged communities.(5) Representatives from the public, including, but not limited to, low-income residents, low-income residents who live in multifamily housing, and residents served by tribal water systems.116931.1. (a) The department and state board shall, in consultation with the advisory group described in subdivision (b) of Section 116931 and after a public hearing, adopt an annual fund expenditure plan. The annual fund expenditure plan may be incorporated into the fund expenditure plan developed pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 116768) of Chapter 4.6.(b) The annual fund expenditure plan shall contain all of the following:(1) Identification of key terms, criteria, and metrics, and their definitions related to implementation of this section.(2) A description of how proposed remedies related to this section will be identified, evaluated, prioritized, and included in the annual fund expenditure plan.(3) A report of expenditures from the fund for the prior fiscal year and planned expenditures for the current fiscal year.(4) (A) An estimate of the number of households eligible for assistance, including those that do not receive a direct bill for water.(B) In identifying household eligibility, the department shall consider both of the following:(i) If any member of the customers household is a current enrollee in, or recipient of, CalWORKs, CalFresh, general assistance, Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income or State Supplementary Payment Program, or California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.(ii) Utility customers enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance program established pursuant to Section 739.12 of the Public Utilities Code.(5) A section that discusses water affordability challenges and proposed solutions for reducing water debt for eligible Californians served by public water systems, state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells. An evaluation of solutions shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:(A) Amortization of an unpaid balance.(B) Participation in an alternative payment schedule.(C) Partial or full reduction of the unpaid balance financed without additional charges to other ratepayers.(D) Temporary deferral of payment.(E) An arrearage management plan.(F) Tiered water rates or percentage Percentage of income payment plan.(G)Methods to retain water system solvency, such as the use of fixed rates and increased use of water meters to improve planning.(6) Methods to ensure timely and meaningful public participation and encourage enrollment in the program. (6)(7) An estimate of the funding needed available for the next fiscal year based on the amount available in the fund, anticipated funding needs, other existing funding sources, and other relevant data and information.(c) The annual fund expenditure plan shall identify the funding need of disadvantaged communities and low-income households whose water bill charges pose affordability challenges based on metrics developed by the department, state board board, and the Public Utilities Commission.(d) The annual fund expenditure plan shall include analysis with metrics to evaluate how expenditures from prior fiscal years improved affordability.116931.2. (a) By July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to regularly share data with the state board department regarding the utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program. program. Electrical corporations and gas corporations shall regularly share that data with the state board department through the mechanism.(b) (1) The state board department may require enter into agreements with local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, including, but not limited to, municipal utility districts and irrigation districts, to regularly share for the purpose of regularly sharing data with the state board department regarding utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, affordability programs benefiting low-income customers.(2) The agreements may authorize the department to provide data pursuant to this subdivision to local water agencies for the sole purpose of assisting with the administration of the program.(c) Data shared pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) is subject to the confidentiality protections of Section 6254.16 of the Government Code. Code and the department shall ensure that the confidentiality of the contact information is protected under reasonable security procedures.(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local publicly owned electric utility or local publicly owned gas utility is not subject to civil or criminal liability for the accuracy of, or any use, nonuse, or improper release of, the contact information it provides pursuant to this section, including, without limitation, for any deficiencies or inaccuracies of the contact information provided. Article 3. Fund Expenditures116932. (a) If moneys are deposited into the fund before the adoption of an annual fund expenditure plan, the department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend those moneys from the fund to provide water crisis assistance to low-income households through direct assistance to the low-income households, forgiveness of delinquency by the public water system and reimbursement by the department, state board, or some other disbursement mechanism. The state board department may use up to 5 10 percent of those moneys for administrative purposes.(b) The state board department may adopt both of the following if necessary to implement this section: emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).(1)A policy handbook.(2)Emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). Article 4. Program Administration116933. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the program:(a) Collect Coordinate with the state board to collect and ensure the accuracy of water rate data and water system boundary data from each public water system.(b) (1) Coordinate with the Public Utilities Commission regarding existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities. utilities. Once an annual funding expenditure plan is adopted, the existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities shall cease if the customers receiving assistance from these programs will receive assistance through the fund equal to, or exceeding, requirements set by the Public Utilities Commission.(2) By January 1, 2023, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a process for transitioning customers from existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities to the program established pursuant to this chapter.(c) For a public water system that is not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, consult with the state board on options to provide oversight of the public water systems implementation of the program to ensure effectiveness and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(d) Develop In consultation with the state board and the Public Utilities Commission, develop and publish performance metrics for the program, including, but not limited to, enrollment levels, total water shutoffs for inability to pay, and on-time payment levels.(e) Coordinate with other state agencies and resolve disputes as necessary.(f) Identify alternative entities to distribute and track benefits if a public water system is unwilling to do so or if the department, in consultation with the state board board, has determined a public water system is incapable of administering the program. Article 5. Definitions116934. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Department means the Department of Community Services and Development. (a)(b) Fund means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund created pursuant to Section 116930.(b)(c) Low income means a household income, or a community annual median household income, that is equal to or no greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline level.(c)(d) Program means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to this chapter.(d)(e) Public water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.(e)(f) State board means the State Water Resources Control Board.(f)(g) State small water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275. SEC. 2.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
Amended IN Senate April 05, 2021 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 222Introduced by Senator Dodd(Coauthor: Senator Gonzalez)(Coauthors: Senators Gonzalez and Wiener)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Bloom Bloom, Lorena Gonzalez, Mathis, and Robert Rivas)January 14, 2021 An act to add Section 12087.8 to the Government Code, and to add Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) to Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to water. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 222, as amended, Dodd. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program.Existing law, the California Safe Drinking Water Act, requires the State Water Resources Control Board to administer provisions relating to the regulation of drinking water to protect public health. Existing law declares it to be the established policy of the state that every human being has the right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes. Existing law requires the state board, by January 1, 2018, to develop a plan for the funding and implementation of the Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Program, as prescribed. Existing law requires the state board, by February 1, 2018, to report to the Legislature on its findings regarding the feasibility, financial stability, and desired structure of the program, including any recommendations for legislative action that may need to be taken.This bill would establish the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund in the State Treasury to help provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. The bill would require the Department of Community Services and Development to develop and administer the program. The bill would make moneys in the fund available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide, in consultation with the state board, as part of the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established by the bill, direct water bill assistance, water bill credits, water crisis assistance, affordability assistance, and short-term technical assistance to small public water systems to administer program components. systems. The bill would authorize the department, in consultation with the state board, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The bill would impose requirements on the state board department, in consultation with the state board, in connection with the program, including, among others, developing guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program by January 1, 2023, consulting with an advisory group, and adopting an annual fund expenditure plan.The bill would require, by July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission to establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to, and would authorize the state board department to require local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities to, regularly share specified customer data with the state board, department, subject to certain confidentiality protections. To the extent this provision would impose new requirements on local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
Amended IN Senate April 05, 2021
Amended IN Senate April 05, 2021
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Bill
No. 222
Introduced by Senator Dodd(Coauthor: Senator Gonzalez)(Coauthors: Senators Gonzalez and Wiener)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Bloom Bloom, Lorena Gonzalez, Mathis, and Robert Rivas)January 14, 2021
Introduced by Senator Dodd(Coauthor: Senator Gonzalez)(Coauthors: Senators Gonzalez and Wiener)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Bloom Bloom, Lorena Gonzalez, Mathis, and Robert Rivas)
January 14, 2021
An act to add Section 12087.8 to the Government Code, and to add Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) to Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to water.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SB 222, as amended, Dodd. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program.
Existing law, the California Safe Drinking Water Act, requires the State Water Resources Control Board to administer provisions relating to the regulation of drinking water to protect public health. Existing law declares it to be the established policy of the state that every human being has the right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes. Existing law requires the state board, by January 1, 2018, to develop a plan for the funding and implementation of the Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Program, as prescribed. Existing law requires the state board, by February 1, 2018, to report to the Legislature on its findings regarding the feasibility, financial stability, and desired structure of the program, including any recommendations for legislative action that may need to be taken.This bill would establish the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund in the State Treasury to help provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. The bill would require the Department of Community Services and Development to develop and administer the program. The bill would make moneys in the fund available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide, in consultation with the state board, as part of the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established by the bill, direct water bill assistance, water bill credits, water crisis assistance, affordability assistance, and short-term technical assistance to small public water systems to administer program components. systems. The bill would authorize the department, in consultation with the state board, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The bill would impose requirements on the state board department, in consultation with the state board, in connection with the program, including, among others, developing guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program by January 1, 2023, consulting with an advisory group, and adopting an annual fund expenditure plan.The bill would require, by July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission to establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to, and would authorize the state board department to require local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities to, regularly share specified customer data with the state board, department, subject to certain confidentiality protections. To the extent this provision would impose new requirements on local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Existing law, the California Safe Drinking Water Act, requires the State Water Resources Control Board to administer provisions relating to the regulation of drinking water to protect public health. Existing law declares it to be the established policy of the state that every human being has the right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes.
Existing law requires the state board, by January 1, 2018, to develop a plan for the funding and implementation of the Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Program, as prescribed. Existing law requires the state board, by February 1, 2018, to report to the Legislature on its findings regarding the feasibility, financial stability, and desired structure of the program, including any recommendations for legislative action that may need to be taken.
This bill would establish the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund in the State Treasury to help provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. The bill would require the Department of Community Services and Development to develop and administer the program. The bill would make moneys in the fund available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide, in consultation with the state board, as part of the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established by the bill, direct water bill assistance, water bill credits, water crisis assistance, affordability assistance, and short-term technical assistance to small public water systems to administer program components. systems. The bill would authorize the department, in consultation with the state board, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The bill would impose requirements on the state board department, in consultation with the state board, in connection with the program, including, among others, developing guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program by January 1, 2023, consulting with an advisory group, and adopting an annual fund expenditure plan.
The bill would require, by July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission to establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to, and would authorize the state board department to require local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities to, regularly share specified customer data with the state board, department, subject to certain confidentiality protections. To the extent this provision would impose new requirements on local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 12087.8 is added to the Government Code, to read:12087.8. The department shall develop and administer the Water Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code and expend moneys appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of the program.SECTION 1.SEC. 2. Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) is added to Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, to read: CHAPTER 6.5. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program Article 1. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund116930. (a) The Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund is hereby established in the State Treasury to provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. Moneys in the fund shall be available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide provide, in consultation with the state board, all of the following:(1) Direct water bill assistance.(2) Water bill credits to renters and individuals or households that pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water or wastewater service.(3) Water crisis assistance.(4) Affordability assistance to low-income households served by domestic wells.(5) Water efficiency measures for low-income households.(6) Short-term Technical assistance to for small public water systems to administer program components, including initial startup costs. systems.(b) The department, in consultation with the state board, may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The scope of work for the fund administrator may include, but is not limited to, eligibility determination, call center services, internet-based enrollments, and document intake and processing. (b)(c) The state board department may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys from the fund for reasonable regulatory costs associated with the administration of this chapter, not to exceed 5 10 percent of the annual deposits into the fund.116930.1. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the fund:(a) Track and manage revenue in the fund separately from all other revenue.(b) Develop and implement a process for disbursing program funds to public water systems or third-party providers, providers for direct payments to community water systems, including controls to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(c) Manage and maintain fund balances in conjunction with the Controller, the Treasurer, the California State Auditors Office, and the Department of Finance, as appropriate.(d) Expend, upon appropriation by the Legislature, moneys in the fund for grants, contracts, direct monetary assistance, or services to assist eligible recipients.(e) (1) Verify the eligibility of each recipient, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(2) Establish a process to regularly confirm the eligibility of recipients, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(3) The verification requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be carried out by the third-party fund administrator described in subdivision (b) of Section 116930. Article 2. Program Implementation116931. (a) The department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, by January 1, 2023, develop guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program.(b) In developing the guidelines, the state board department shall consult with an advisory group that includes representatives of all of the following:(1) Public water systems.(2) Technical assistance providers, including organizations that support the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.(3) Local agencies, including agencies that manage multifamily housing serving low-income residents.(4) Nongovernmental organizations that work with residents of disadvantaged communities.(5) Representatives from the public, including, but not limited to, low-income residents, low-income residents who live in multifamily housing, and residents served by tribal water systems.116931.1. (a) The department and state board shall, in consultation with the advisory group described in subdivision (b) of Section 116931 and after a public hearing, adopt an annual fund expenditure plan. The annual fund expenditure plan may be incorporated into the fund expenditure plan developed pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 116768) of Chapter 4.6.(b) The annual fund expenditure plan shall contain all of the following:(1) Identification of key terms, criteria, and metrics, and their definitions related to implementation of this section.(2) A description of how proposed remedies related to this section will be identified, evaluated, prioritized, and included in the annual fund expenditure plan.(3) A report of expenditures from the fund for the prior fiscal year and planned expenditures for the current fiscal year.(4) (A) An estimate of the number of households eligible for assistance, including those that do not receive a direct bill for water.(B) In identifying household eligibility, the department shall consider both of the following:(i) If any member of the customers household is a current enrollee in, or recipient of, CalWORKs, CalFresh, general assistance, Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income or State Supplementary Payment Program, or California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.(ii) Utility customers enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance program established pursuant to Section 739.12 of the Public Utilities Code.(5) A section that discusses water affordability challenges and proposed solutions for reducing water debt for eligible Californians served by public water systems, state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells. An evaluation of solutions shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:(A) Amortization of an unpaid balance.(B) Participation in an alternative payment schedule.(C) Partial or full reduction of the unpaid balance financed without additional charges to other ratepayers.(D) Temporary deferral of payment.(E) An arrearage management plan.(F) Tiered water rates or percentage Percentage of income payment plan.(G)Methods to retain water system solvency, such as the use of fixed rates and increased use of water meters to improve planning.(6) Methods to ensure timely and meaningful public participation and encourage enrollment in the program. (6)(7) An estimate of the funding needed available for the next fiscal year based on the amount available in the fund, anticipated funding needs, other existing funding sources, and other relevant data and information.(c) The annual fund expenditure plan shall identify the funding need of disadvantaged communities and low-income households whose water bill charges pose affordability challenges based on metrics developed by the department, state board board, and the Public Utilities Commission.(d) The annual fund expenditure plan shall include analysis with metrics to evaluate how expenditures from prior fiscal years improved affordability.116931.2. (a) By July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to regularly share data with the state board department regarding the utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program. program. Electrical corporations and gas corporations shall regularly share that data with the state board department through the mechanism.(b) (1) The state board department may require enter into agreements with local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, including, but not limited to, municipal utility districts and irrigation districts, to regularly share for the purpose of regularly sharing data with the state board department regarding utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, affordability programs benefiting low-income customers.(2) The agreements may authorize the department to provide data pursuant to this subdivision to local water agencies for the sole purpose of assisting with the administration of the program.(c) Data shared pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) is subject to the confidentiality protections of Section 6254.16 of the Government Code. Code and the department shall ensure that the confidentiality of the contact information is protected under reasonable security procedures.(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local publicly owned electric utility or local publicly owned gas utility is not subject to civil or criminal liability for the accuracy of, or any use, nonuse, or improper release of, the contact information it provides pursuant to this section, including, without limitation, for any deficiencies or inaccuracies of the contact information provided. Article 3. Fund Expenditures116932. (a) If moneys are deposited into the fund before the adoption of an annual fund expenditure plan, the department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend those moneys from the fund to provide water crisis assistance to low-income households through direct assistance to the low-income households, forgiveness of delinquency by the public water system and reimbursement by the department, state board, or some other disbursement mechanism. The state board department may use up to 5 10 percent of those moneys for administrative purposes.(b) The state board department may adopt both of the following if necessary to implement this section: emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).(1)A policy handbook.(2)Emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). Article 4. Program Administration116933. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the program:(a) Collect Coordinate with the state board to collect and ensure the accuracy of water rate data and water system boundary data from each public water system.(b) (1) Coordinate with the Public Utilities Commission regarding existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities. utilities. Once an annual funding expenditure plan is adopted, the existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities shall cease if the customers receiving assistance from these programs will receive assistance through the fund equal to, or exceeding, requirements set by the Public Utilities Commission.(2) By January 1, 2023, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a process for transitioning customers from existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities to the program established pursuant to this chapter.(c) For a public water system that is not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, consult with the state board on options to provide oversight of the public water systems implementation of the program to ensure effectiveness and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(d) Develop In consultation with the state board and the Public Utilities Commission, develop and publish performance metrics for the program, including, but not limited to, enrollment levels, total water shutoffs for inability to pay, and on-time payment levels.(e) Coordinate with other state agencies and resolve disputes as necessary.(f) Identify alternative entities to distribute and track benefits if a public water system is unwilling to do so or if the department, in consultation with the state board board, has determined a public water system is incapable of administering the program. Article 5. Definitions116934. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Department means the Department of Community Services and Development. (a)(b) Fund means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund created pursuant to Section 116930.(b)(c) Low income means a household income, or a community annual median household income, that is equal to or no greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline level.(c)(d) Program means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to this chapter.(d)(e) Public water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.(e)(f) State board means the State Water Resources Control Board.(f)(g) State small water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275. SEC. 2.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 12087.8 is added to the Government Code, to read:12087.8. The department shall develop and administer the Water Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code and expend moneys appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of the program.
SECTION 1. Section 12087.8 is added to the Government Code, to read:
### SECTION 1.
12087.8. The department shall develop and administer the Water Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code and expend moneys appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of the program.
12087.8. The department shall develop and administer the Water Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code and expend moneys appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of the program.
12087.8. The department shall develop and administer the Water Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code and expend moneys appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of the program.
12087.8. The department shall develop and administer the Water Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code and expend moneys appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of the program.
SECTION 1.SEC. 2. Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) is added to Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, to read: CHAPTER 6.5. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program Article 1. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund116930. (a) The Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund is hereby established in the State Treasury to provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. Moneys in the fund shall be available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide provide, in consultation with the state board, all of the following:(1) Direct water bill assistance.(2) Water bill credits to renters and individuals or households that pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water or wastewater service.(3) Water crisis assistance.(4) Affordability assistance to low-income households served by domestic wells.(5) Water efficiency measures for low-income households.(6) Short-term Technical assistance to for small public water systems to administer program components, including initial startup costs. systems.(b) The department, in consultation with the state board, may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The scope of work for the fund administrator may include, but is not limited to, eligibility determination, call center services, internet-based enrollments, and document intake and processing. (b)(c) The state board department may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys from the fund for reasonable regulatory costs associated with the administration of this chapter, not to exceed 5 10 percent of the annual deposits into the fund.116930.1. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the fund:(a) Track and manage revenue in the fund separately from all other revenue.(b) Develop and implement a process for disbursing program funds to public water systems or third-party providers, providers for direct payments to community water systems, including controls to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(c) Manage and maintain fund balances in conjunction with the Controller, the Treasurer, the California State Auditors Office, and the Department of Finance, as appropriate.(d) Expend, upon appropriation by the Legislature, moneys in the fund for grants, contracts, direct monetary assistance, or services to assist eligible recipients.(e) (1) Verify the eligibility of each recipient, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(2) Establish a process to regularly confirm the eligibility of recipients, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(3) The verification requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be carried out by the third-party fund administrator described in subdivision (b) of Section 116930. Article 2. Program Implementation116931. (a) The department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, by January 1, 2023, develop guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program.(b) In developing the guidelines, the state board department shall consult with an advisory group that includes representatives of all of the following:(1) Public water systems.(2) Technical assistance providers, including organizations that support the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.(3) Local agencies, including agencies that manage multifamily housing serving low-income residents.(4) Nongovernmental organizations that work with residents of disadvantaged communities.(5) Representatives from the public, including, but not limited to, low-income residents, low-income residents who live in multifamily housing, and residents served by tribal water systems.116931.1. (a) The department and state board shall, in consultation with the advisory group described in subdivision (b) of Section 116931 and after a public hearing, adopt an annual fund expenditure plan. The annual fund expenditure plan may be incorporated into the fund expenditure plan developed pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 116768) of Chapter 4.6.(b) The annual fund expenditure plan shall contain all of the following:(1) Identification of key terms, criteria, and metrics, and their definitions related to implementation of this section.(2) A description of how proposed remedies related to this section will be identified, evaluated, prioritized, and included in the annual fund expenditure plan.(3) A report of expenditures from the fund for the prior fiscal year and planned expenditures for the current fiscal year.(4) (A) An estimate of the number of households eligible for assistance, including those that do not receive a direct bill for water.(B) In identifying household eligibility, the department shall consider both of the following:(i) If any member of the customers household is a current enrollee in, or recipient of, CalWORKs, CalFresh, general assistance, Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income or State Supplementary Payment Program, or California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.(ii) Utility customers enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance program established pursuant to Section 739.12 of the Public Utilities Code.(5) A section that discusses water affordability challenges and proposed solutions for reducing water debt for eligible Californians served by public water systems, state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells. An evaluation of solutions shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:(A) Amortization of an unpaid balance.(B) Participation in an alternative payment schedule.(C) Partial or full reduction of the unpaid balance financed without additional charges to other ratepayers.(D) Temporary deferral of payment.(E) An arrearage management plan.(F) Tiered water rates or percentage Percentage of income payment plan.(G)Methods to retain water system solvency, such as the use of fixed rates and increased use of water meters to improve planning.(6) Methods to ensure timely and meaningful public participation and encourage enrollment in the program. (6)(7) An estimate of the funding needed available for the next fiscal year based on the amount available in the fund, anticipated funding needs, other existing funding sources, and other relevant data and information.(c) The annual fund expenditure plan shall identify the funding need of disadvantaged communities and low-income households whose water bill charges pose affordability challenges based on metrics developed by the department, state board board, and the Public Utilities Commission.(d) The annual fund expenditure plan shall include analysis with metrics to evaluate how expenditures from prior fiscal years improved affordability.116931.2. (a) By July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to regularly share data with the state board department regarding the utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program. program. Electrical corporations and gas corporations shall regularly share that data with the state board department through the mechanism.(b) (1) The state board department may require enter into agreements with local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, including, but not limited to, municipal utility districts and irrigation districts, to regularly share for the purpose of regularly sharing data with the state board department regarding utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, affordability programs benefiting low-income customers.(2) The agreements may authorize the department to provide data pursuant to this subdivision to local water agencies for the sole purpose of assisting with the administration of the program.(c) Data shared pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) is subject to the confidentiality protections of Section 6254.16 of the Government Code. Code and the department shall ensure that the confidentiality of the contact information is protected under reasonable security procedures.(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local publicly owned electric utility or local publicly owned gas utility is not subject to civil or criminal liability for the accuracy of, or any use, nonuse, or improper release of, the contact information it provides pursuant to this section, including, without limitation, for any deficiencies or inaccuracies of the contact information provided. Article 3. Fund Expenditures116932. (a) If moneys are deposited into the fund before the adoption of an annual fund expenditure plan, the department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend those moneys from the fund to provide water crisis assistance to low-income households through direct assistance to the low-income households, forgiveness of delinquency by the public water system and reimbursement by the department, state board, or some other disbursement mechanism. The state board department may use up to 5 10 percent of those moneys for administrative purposes.(b) The state board department may adopt both of the following if necessary to implement this section: emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).(1)A policy handbook.(2)Emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). Article 4. Program Administration116933. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the program:(a) Collect Coordinate with the state board to collect and ensure the accuracy of water rate data and water system boundary data from each public water system.(b) (1) Coordinate with the Public Utilities Commission regarding existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities. utilities. Once an annual funding expenditure plan is adopted, the existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities shall cease if the customers receiving assistance from these programs will receive assistance through the fund equal to, or exceeding, requirements set by the Public Utilities Commission.(2) By January 1, 2023, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a process for transitioning customers from existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities to the program established pursuant to this chapter.(c) For a public water system that is not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, consult with the state board on options to provide oversight of the public water systems implementation of the program to ensure effectiveness and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(d) Develop In consultation with the state board and the Public Utilities Commission, develop and publish performance metrics for the program, including, but not limited to, enrollment levels, total water shutoffs for inability to pay, and on-time payment levels.(e) Coordinate with other state agencies and resolve disputes as necessary.(f) Identify alternative entities to distribute and track benefits if a public water system is unwilling to do so or if the department, in consultation with the state board board, has determined a public water system is incapable of administering the program. Article 5. Definitions116934. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Department means the Department of Community Services and Development. (a)(b) Fund means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund created pursuant to Section 116930.(b)(c) Low income means a household income, or a community annual median household income, that is equal to or no greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline level.(c)(d) Program means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to this chapter.(d)(e) Public water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.(e)(f) State board means the State Water Resources Control Board.(f)(g) State small water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.
SECTION 1.SEC. 2. Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 116930) is added to Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, to read:
### SECTION 1.SEC. 2.
CHAPTER 6.5. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program Article 1. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund116930. (a) The Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund is hereby established in the State Treasury to provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. Moneys in the fund shall be available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide provide, in consultation with the state board, all of the following:(1) Direct water bill assistance.(2) Water bill credits to renters and individuals or households that pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water or wastewater service.(3) Water crisis assistance.(4) Affordability assistance to low-income households served by domestic wells.(5) Water efficiency measures for low-income households.(6) Short-term Technical assistance to for small public water systems to administer program components, including initial startup costs. systems.(b) The department, in consultation with the state board, may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The scope of work for the fund administrator may include, but is not limited to, eligibility determination, call center services, internet-based enrollments, and document intake and processing. (b)(c) The state board department may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys from the fund for reasonable regulatory costs associated with the administration of this chapter, not to exceed 5 10 percent of the annual deposits into the fund.116930.1. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the fund:(a) Track and manage revenue in the fund separately from all other revenue.(b) Develop and implement a process for disbursing program funds to public water systems or third-party providers, providers for direct payments to community water systems, including controls to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(c) Manage and maintain fund balances in conjunction with the Controller, the Treasurer, the California State Auditors Office, and the Department of Finance, as appropriate.(d) Expend, upon appropriation by the Legislature, moneys in the fund for grants, contracts, direct monetary assistance, or services to assist eligible recipients.(e) (1) Verify the eligibility of each recipient, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(2) Establish a process to regularly confirm the eligibility of recipients, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(3) The verification requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be carried out by the third-party fund administrator described in subdivision (b) of Section 116930. Article 2. Program Implementation116931. (a) The department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, by January 1, 2023, develop guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program.(b) In developing the guidelines, the state board department shall consult with an advisory group that includes representatives of all of the following:(1) Public water systems.(2) Technical assistance providers, including organizations that support the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.(3) Local agencies, including agencies that manage multifamily housing serving low-income residents.(4) Nongovernmental organizations that work with residents of disadvantaged communities.(5) Representatives from the public, including, but not limited to, low-income residents, low-income residents who live in multifamily housing, and residents served by tribal water systems.116931.1. (a) The department and state board shall, in consultation with the advisory group described in subdivision (b) of Section 116931 and after a public hearing, adopt an annual fund expenditure plan. The annual fund expenditure plan may be incorporated into the fund expenditure plan developed pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 116768) of Chapter 4.6.(b) The annual fund expenditure plan shall contain all of the following:(1) Identification of key terms, criteria, and metrics, and their definitions related to implementation of this section.(2) A description of how proposed remedies related to this section will be identified, evaluated, prioritized, and included in the annual fund expenditure plan.(3) A report of expenditures from the fund for the prior fiscal year and planned expenditures for the current fiscal year.(4) (A) An estimate of the number of households eligible for assistance, including those that do not receive a direct bill for water.(B) In identifying household eligibility, the department shall consider both of the following:(i) If any member of the customers household is a current enrollee in, or recipient of, CalWORKs, CalFresh, general assistance, Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income or State Supplementary Payment Program, or California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.(ii) Utility customers enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance program established pursuant to Section 739.12 of the Public Utilities Code.(5) A section that discusses water affordability challenges and proposed solutions for reducing water debt for eligible Californians served by public water systems, state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells. An evaluation of solutions shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:(A) Amortization of an unpaid balance.(B) Participation in an alternative payment schedule.(C) Partial or full reduction of the unpaid balance financed without additional charges to other ratepayers.(D) Temporary deferral of payment.(E) An arrearage management plan.(F) Tiered water rates or percentage Percentage of income payment plan.(G)Methods to retain water system solvency, such as the use of fixed rates and increased use of water meters to improve planning.(6) Methods to ensure timely and meaningful public participation and encourage enrollment in the program. (6)(7) An estimate of the funding needed available for the next fiscal year based on the amount available in the fund, anticipated funding needs, other existing funding sources, and other relevant data and information.(c) The annual fund expenditure plan shall identify the funding need of disadvantaged communities and low-income households whose water bill charges pose affordability challenges based on metrics developed by the department, state board board, and the Public Utilities Commission.(d) The annual fund expenditure plan shall include analysis with metrics to evaluate how expenditures from prior fiscal years improved affordability.116931.2. (a) By July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to regularly share data with the state board department regarding the utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program. program. Electrical corporations and gas corporations shall regularly share that data with the state board department through the mechanism.(b) (1) The state board department may require enter into agreements with local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, including, but not limited to, municipal utility districts and irrigation districts, to regularly share for the purpose of regularly sharing data with the state board department regarding utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, affordability programs benefiting low-income customers.(2) The agreements may authorize the department to provide data pursuant to this subdivision to local water agencies for the sole purpose of assisting with the administration of the program.(c) Data shared pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) is subject to the confidentiality protections of Section 6254.16 of the Government Code. Code and the department shall ensure that the confidentiality of the contact information is protected under reasonable security procedures.(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local publicly owned electric utility or local publicly owned gas utility is not subject to civil or criminal liability for the accuracy of, or any use, nonuse, or improper release of, the contact information it provides pursuant to this section, including, without limitation, for any deficiencies or inaccuracies of the contact information provided. Article 3. Fund Expenditures116932. (a) If moneys are deposited into the fund before the adoption of an annual fund expenditure plan, the department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend those moneys from the fund to provide water crisis assistance to low-income households through direct assistance to the low-income households, forgiveness of delinquency by the public water system and reimbursement by the department, state board, or some other disbursement mechanism. The state board department may use up to 5 10 percent of those moneys for administrative purposes.(b) The state board department may adopt both of the following if necessary to implement this section: emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).(1)A policy handbook.(2)Emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). Article 4. Program Administration116933. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the program:(a) Collect Coordinate with the state board to collect and ensure the accuracy of water rate data and water system boundary data from each public water system.(b) (1) Coordinate with the Public Utilities Commission regarding existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities. utilities. Once an annual funding expenditure plan is adopted, the existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities shall cease if the customers receiving assistance from these programs will receive assistance through the fund equal to, or exceeding, requirements set by the Public Utilities Commission.(2) By January 1, 2023, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a process for transitioning customers from existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities to the program established pursuant to this chapter.(c) For a public water system that is not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, consult with the state board on options to provide oversight of the public water systems implementation of the program to ensure effectiveness and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(d) Develop In consultation with the state board and the Public Utilities Commission, develop and publish performance metrics for the program, including, but not limited to, enrollment levels, total water shutoffs for inability to pay, and on-time payment levels.(e) Coordinate with other state agencies and resolve disputes as necessary.(f) Identify alternative entities to distribute and track benefits if a public water system is unwilling to do so or if the department, in consultation with the state board board, has determined a public water system is incapable of administering the program. Article 5. Definitions116934. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Department means the Department of Community Services and Development. (a)(b) Fund means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund created pursuant to Section 116930.(b)(c) Low income means a household income, or a community annual median household income, that is equal to or no greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline level.(c)(d) Program means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to this chapter.(d)(e) Public water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.(e)(f) State board means the State Water Resources Control Board.(f)(g) State small water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.
CHAPTER 6.5. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program Article 1. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund116930. (a) The Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund is hereby established in the State Treasury to provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. Moneys in the fund shall be available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide provide, in consultation with the state board, all of the following:(1) Direct water bill assistance.(2) Water bill credits to renters and individuals or households that pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water or wastewater service.(3) Water crisis assistance.(4) Affordability assistance to low-income households served by domestic wells.(5) Water efficiency measures for low-income households.(6) Short-term Technical assistance to for small public water systems to administer program components, including initial startup costs. systems.(b) The department, in consultation with the state board, may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The scope of work for the fund administrator may include, but is not limited to, eligibility determination, call center services, internet-based enrollments, and document intake and processing. (b)(c) The state board department may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys from the fund for reasonable regulatory costs associated with the administration of this chapter, not to exceed 5 10 percent of the annual deposits into the fund.116930.1. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the fund:(a) Track and manage revenue in the fund separately from all other revenue.(b) Develop and implement a process for disbursing program funds to public water systems or third-party providers, providers for direct payments to community water systems, including controls to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(c) Manage and maintain fund balances in conjunction with the Controller, the Treasurer, the California State Auditors Office, and the Department of Finance, as appropriate.(d) Expend, upon appropriation by the Legislature, moneys in the fund for grants, contracts, direct monetary assistance, or services to assist eligible recipients.(e) (1) Verify the eligibility of each recipient, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(2) Establish a process to regularly confirm the eligibility of recipients, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(3) The verification requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be carried out by the third-party fund administrator described in subdivision (b) of Section 116930. Article 2. Program Implementation116931. (a) The department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, by January 1, 2023, develop guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program.(b) In developing the guidelines, the state board department shall consult with an advisory group that includes representatives of all of the following:(1) Public water systems.(2) Technical assistance providers, including organizations that support the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.(3) Local agencies, including agencies that manage multifamily housing serving low-income residents.(4) Nongovernmental organizations that work with residents of disadvantaged communities.(5) Representatives from the public, including, but not limited to, low-income residents, low-income residents who live in multifamily housing, and residents served by tribal water systems.116931.1. (a) The department and state board shall, in consultation with the advisory group described in subdivision (b) of Section 116931 and after a public hearing, adopt an annual fund expenditure plan. The annual fund expenditure plan may be incorporated into the fund expenditure plan developed pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 116768) of Chapter 4.6.(b) The annual fund expenditure plan shall contain all of the following:(1) Identification of key terms, criteria, and metrics, and their definitions related to implementation of this section.(2) A description of how proposed remedies related to this section will be identified, evaluated, prioritized, and included in the annual fund expenditure plan.(3) A report of expenditures from the fund for the prior fiscal year and planned expenditures for the current fiscal year.(4) (A) An estimate of the number of households eligible for assistance, including those that do not receive a direct bill for water.(B) In identifying household eligibility, the department shall consider both of the following:(i) If any member of the customers household is a current enrollee in, or recipient of, CalWORKs, CalFresh, general assistance, Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income or State Supplementary Payment Program, or California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.(ii) Utility customers enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance program established pursuant to Section 739.12 of the Public Utilities Code.(5) A section that discusses water affordability challenges and proposed solutions for reducing water debt for eligible Californians served by public water systems, state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells. An evaluation of solutions shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:(A) Amortization of an unpaid balance.(B) Participation in an alternative payment schedule.(C) Partial or full reduction of the unpaid balance financed without additional charges to other ratepayers.(D) Temporary deferral of payment.(E) An arrearage management plan.(F) Tiered water rates or percentage Percentage of income payment plan.(G)Methods to retain water system solvency, such as the use of fixed rates and increased use of water meters to improve planning.(6) Methods to ensure timely and meaningful public participation and encourage enrollment in the program. (6)(7) An estimate of the funding needed available for the next fiscal year based on the amount available in the fund, anticipated funding needs, other existing funding sources, and other relevant data and information.(c) The annual fund expenditure plan shall identify the funding need of disadvantaged communities and low-income households whose water bill charges pose affordability challenges based on metrics developed by the department, state board board, and the Public Utilities Commission.(d) The annual fund expenditure plan shall include analysis with metrics to evaluate how expenditures from prior fiscal years improved affordability.116931.2. (a) By July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to regularly share data with the state board department regarding the utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program. program. Electrical corporations and gas corporations shall regularly share that data with the state board department through the mechanism.(b) (1) The state board department may require enter into agreements with local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, including, but not limited to, municipal utility districts and irrigation districts, to regularly share for the purpose of regularly sharing data with the state board department regarding utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, affordability programs benefiting low-income customers.(2) The agreements may authorize the department to provide data pursuant to this subdivision to local water agencies for the sole purpose of assisting with the administration of the program.(c) Data shared pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) is subject to the confidentiality protections of Section 6254.16 of the Government Code. Code and the department shall ensure that the confidentiality of the contact information is protected under reasonable security procedures.(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local publicly owned electric utility or local publicly owned gas utility is not subject to civil or criminal liability for the accuracy of, or any use, nonuse, or improper release of, the contact information it provides pursuant to this section, including, without limitation, for any deficiencies or inaccuracies of the contact information provided. Article 3. Fund Expenditures116932. (a) If moneys are deposited into the fund before the adoption of an annual fund expenditure plan, the department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend those moneys from the fund to provide water crisis assistance to low-income households through direct assistance to the low-income households, forgiveness of delinquency by the public water system and reimbursement by the department, state board, or some other disbursement mechanism. The state board department may use up to 5 10 percent of those moneys for administrative purposes.(b) The state board department may adopt both of the following if necessary to implement this section: emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).(1)A policy handbook.(2)Emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). Article 4. Program Administration116933. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the program:(a) Collect Coordinate with the state board to collect and ensure the accuracy of water rate data and water system boundary data from each public water system.(b) (1) Coordinate with the Public Utilities Commission regarding existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities. utilities. Once an annual funding expenditure plan is adopted, the existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities shall cease if the customers receiving assistance from these programs will receive assistance through the fund equal to, or exceeding, requirements set by the Public Utilities Commission.(2) By January 1, 2023, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a process for transitioning customers from existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities to the program established pursuant to this chapter.(c) For a public water system that is not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, consult with the state board on options to provide oversight of the public water systems implementation of the program to ensure effectiveness and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(d) Develop In consultation with the state board and the Public Utilities Commission, develop and publish performance metrics for the program, including, but not limited to, enrollment levels, total water shutoffs for inability to pay, and on-time payment levels.(e) Coordinate with other state agencies and resolve disputes as necessary.(f) Identify alternative entities to distribute and track benefits if a public water system is unwilling to do so or if the department, in consultation with the state board board, has determined a public water system is incapable of administering the program. Article 5. Definitions116934. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Department means the Department of Community Services and Development. (a)(b) Fund means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund created pursuant to Section 116930.(b)(c) Low income means a household income, or a community annual median household income, that is equal to or no greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline level.(c)(d) Program means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to this chapter.(d)(e) Public water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.(e)(f) State board means the State Water Resources Control Board.(f)(g) State small water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.
CHAPTER 6.5. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program
CHAPTER 6.5. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program
Article 1. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund116930. (a) The Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund is hereby established in the State Treasury to provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. Moneys in the fund shall be available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide provide, in consultation with the state board, all of the following:(1) Direct water bill assistance.(2) Water bill credits to renters and individuals or households that pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water or wastewater service.(3) Water crisis assistance.(4) Affordability assistance to low-income households served by domestic wells.(5) Water efficiency measures for low-income households.(6) Short-term Technical assistance to for small public water systems to administer program components, including initial startup costs. systems.(b) The department, in consultation with the state board, may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The scope of work for the fund administrator may include, but is not limited to, eligibility determination, call center services, internet-based enrollments, and document intake and processing. (b)(c) The state board department may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys from the fund for reasonable regulatory costs associated with the administration of this chapter, not to exceed 5 10 percent of the annual deposits into the fund.116930.1. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the fund:(a) Track and manage revenue in the fund separately from all other revenue.(b) Develop and implement a process for disbursing program funds to public water systems or third-party providers, providers for direct payments to community water systems, including controls to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(c) Manage and maintain fund balances in conjunction with the Controller, the Treasurer, the California State Auditors Office, and the Department of Finance, as appropriate.(d) Expend, upon appropriation by the Legislature, moneys in the fund for grants, contracts, direct monetary assistance, or services to assist eligible recipients.(e) (1) Verify the eligibility of each recipient, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(2) Establish a process to regularly confirm the eligibility of recipients, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(3) The verification requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be carried out by the third-party fund administrator described in subdivision (b) of Section 116930.
Article 1. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund
Article 1. Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund
116930. (a) The Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund is hereby established in the State Treasury to provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. Moneys in the fund shall be available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide provide, in consultation with the state board, all of the following:(1) Direct water bill assistance.(2) Water bill credits to renters and individuals or households that pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water or wastewater service.(3) Water crisis assistance.(4) Affordability assistance to low-income households served by domestic wells.(5) Water efficiency measures for low-income households.(6) Short-term Technical assistance to for small public water systems to administer program components, including initial startup costs. systems.(b) The department, in consultation with the state board, may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The scope of work for the fund administrator may include, but is not limited to, eligibility determination, call center services, internet-based enrollments, and document intake and processing. (b)(c) The state board department may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys from the fund for reasonable regulatory costs associated with the administration of this chapter, not to exceed 5 10 percent of the annual deposits into the fund.
116930. (a) The Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund is hereby established in the State Treasury to provide water affordability assistance, for both drinking water and wastewater services, to low-income ratepayers and ratepayers experiencing economic hardship in California. Moneys in the fund shall be available upon appropriation by the Legislature to the state board department to provide provide, in consultation with the state board, all of the following:
(1) Direct water bill assistance.
(2) Water bill credits to renters and individuals or households that pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water or wastewater service.
(3) Water crisis assistance.
(4) Affordability assistance to low-income households served by domestic wells.
(5) Water efficiency measures for low-income households.
(6) Short-term Technical assistance to for small public water systems to administer program components, including initial startup costs. systems.
(b) The department, in consultation with the state board, may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys to identify and contract with a third-party fund administrator. The scope of work for the fund administrator may include, but is not limited to, eligibility determination, call center services, internet-based enrollments, and document intake and processing.
(b)
(c) The state board department may, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend moneys from the fund for reasonable regulatory costs associated with the administration of this chapter, not to exceed 5 10 percent of the annual deposits into the fund.
116930.1. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the fund:(a) Track and manage revenue in the fund separately from all other revenue.(b) Develop and implement a process for disbursing program funds to public water systems or third-party providers, providers for direct payments to community water systems, including controls to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(c) Manage and maintain fund balances in conjunction with the Controller, the Treasurer, the California State Auditors Office, and the Department of Finance, as appropriate.(d) Expend, upon appropriation by the Legislature, moneys in the fund for grants, contracts, direct monetary assistance, or services to assist eligible recipients.(e) (1) Verify the eligibility of each recipient, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(2) Establish a process to regularly confirm the eligibility of recipients, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.(3) The verification requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be carried out by the third-party fund administrator described in subdivision (b) of Section 116930.
116930.1. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the fund:
(a) Track and manage revenue in the fund separately from all other revenue.
(b) Develop and implement a process for disbursing program funds to public water systems or third-party providers, providers for direct payments to community water systems, including controls to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
(c) Manage and maintain fund balances in conjunction with the Controller, the Treasurer, the California State Auditors Office, and the Department of Finance, as appropriate.
(d) Expend, upon appropriation by the Legislature, moneys in the fund for grants, contracts, direct monetary assistance, or services to assist eligible recipients.
(e) (1) Verify the eligibility of each recipient, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.
(2) Establish a process to regularly confirm the eligibility of recipients, based upon eligibility pursuant to Section 116931.1.
(3) The verification requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be carried out by the third-party fund administrator described in subdivision (b) of Section 116930.
Article 2. Program Implementation116931. (a) The department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, by January 1, 2023, develop guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program.(b) In developing the guidelines, the state board department shall consult with an advisory group that includes representatives of all of the following:(1) Public water systems.(2) Technical assistance providers, including organizations that support the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.(3) Local agencies, including agencies that manage multifamily housing serving low-income residents.(4) Nongovernmental organizations that work with residents of disadvantaged communities.(5) Representatives from the public, including, but not limited to, low-income residents, low-income residents who live in multifamily housing, and residents served by tribal water systems.116931.1. (a) The department and state board shall, in consultation with the advisory group described in subdivision (b) of Section 116931 and after a public hearing, adopt an annual fund expenditure plan. The annual fund expenditure plan may be incorporated into the fund expenditure plan developed pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 116768) of Chapter 4.6.(b) The annual fund expenditure plan shall contain all of the following:(1) Identification of key terms, criteria, and metrics, and their definitions related to implementation of this section.(2) A description of how proposed remedies related to this section will be identified, evaluated, prioritized, and included in the annual fund expenditure plan.(3) A report of expenditures from the fund for the prior fiscal year and planned expenditures for the current fiscal year.(4) (A) An estimate of the number of households eligible for assistance, including those that do not receive a direct bill for water.(B) In identifying household eligibility, the department shall consider both of the following:(i) If any member of the customers household is a current enrollee in, or recipient of, CalWORKs, CalFresh, general assistance, Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income or State Supplementary Payment Program, or California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.(ii) Utility customers enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance program established pursuant to Section 739.12 of the Public Utilities Code.(5) A section that discusses water affordability challenges and proposed solutions for reducing water debt for eligible Californians served by public water systems, state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells. An evaluation of solutions shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:(A) Amortization of an unpaid balance.(B) Participation in an alternative payment schedule.(C) Partial or full reduction of the unpaid balance financed without additional charges to other ratepayers.(D) Temporary deferral of payment.(E) An arrearage management plan.(F) Tiered water rates or percentage Percentage of income payment plan.(G)Methods to retain water system solvency, such as the use of fixed rates and increased use of water meters to improve planning.(6) Methods to ensure timely and meaningful public participation and encourage enrollment in the program. (6)(7) An estimate of the funding needed available for the next fiscal year based on the amount available in the fund, anticipated funding needs, other existing funding sources, and other relevant data and information.(c) The annual fund expenditure plan shall identify the funding need of disadvantaged communities and low-income households whose water bill charges pose affordability challenges based on metrics developed by the department, state board board, and the Public Utilities Commission.(d) The annual fund expenditure plan shall include analysis with metrics to evaluate how expenditures from prior fiscal years improved affordability.116931.2. (a) By July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to regularly share data with the state board department regarding the utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program. program. Electrical corporations and gas corporations shall regularly share that data with the state board department through the mechanism.(b) (1) The state board department may require enter into agreements with local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, including, but not limited to, municipal utility districts and irrigation districts, to regularly share for the purpose of regularly sharing data with the state board department regarding utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, affordability programs benefiting low-income customers.(2) The agreements may authorize the department to provide data pursuant to this subdivision to local water agencies for the sole purpose of assisting with the administration of the program.(c) Data shared pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) is subject to the confidentiality protections of Section 6254.16 of the Government Code. Code and the department shall ensure that the confidentiality of the contact information is protected under reasonable security procedures.(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local publicly owned electric utility or local publicly owned gas utility is not subject to civil or criminal liability for the accuracy of, or any use, nonuse, or improper release of, the contact information it provides pursuant to this section, including, without limitation, for any deficiencies or inaccuracies of the contact information provided.
Article 2. Program Implementation
Article 2. Program Implementation
116931. (a) The department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, by January 1, 2023, develop guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program.(b) In developing the guidelines, the state board department shall consult with an advisory group that includes representatives of all of the following:(1) Public water systems.(2) Technical assistance providers, including organizations that support the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.(3) Local agencies, including agencies that manage multifamily housing serving low-income residents.(4) Nongovernmental organizations that work with residents of disadvantaged communities.(5) Representatives from the public, including, but not limited to, low-income residents, low-income residents who live in multifamily housing, and residents served by tribal water systems.
116931. (a) The department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, by January 1, 2023, develop guidelines and fund oversight procedures for implementation of the program.
(b) In developing the guidelines, the state board department shall consult with an advisory group that includes representatives of all of the following:
(1) Public water systems.
(2) Technical assistance providers, including organizations that support the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
(3) Local agencies, including agencies that manage multifamily housing serving low-income residents.
(4) Nongovernmental organizations that work with residents of disadvantaged communities.
(5) Representatives from the public, including, but not limited to, low-income residents, low-income residents who live in multifamily housing, and residents served by tribal water systems.
116931.1. (a) The department and state board shall, in consultation with the advisory group described in subdivision (b) of Section 116931 and after a public hearing, adopt an annual fund expenditure plan. The annual fund expenditure plan may be incorporated into the fund expenditure plan developed pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 116768) of Chapter 4.6.(b) The annual fund expenditure plan shall contain all of the following:(1) Identification of key terms, criteria, and metrics, and their definitions related to implementation of this section.(2) A description of how proposed remedies related to this section will be identified, evaluated, prioritized, and included in the annual fund expenditure plan.(3) A report of expenditures from the fund for the prior fiscal year and planned expenditures for the current fiscal year.(4) (A) An estimate of the number of households eligible for assistance, including those that do not receive a direct bill for water.(B) In identifying household eligibility, the department shall consider both of the following:(i) If any member of the customers household is a current enrollee in, or recipient of, CalWORKs, CalFresh, general assistance, Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income or State Supplementary Payment Program, or California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.(ii) Utility customers enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance program established pursuant to Section 739.12 of the Public Utilities Code.(5) A section that discusses water affordability challenges and proposed solutions for reducing water debt for eligible Californians served by public water systems, state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells. An evaluation of solutions shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:(A) Amortization of an unpaid balance.(B) Participation in an alternative payment schedule.(C) Partial or full reduction of the unpaid balance financed without additional charges to other ratepayers.(D) Temporary deferral of payment.(E) An arrearage management plan.(F) Tiered water rates or percentage Percentage of income payment plan.(G)Methods to retain water system solvency, such as the use of fixed rates and increased use of water meters to improve planning.(6) Methods to ensure timely and meaningful public participation and encourage enrollment in the program. (6)(7) An estimate of the funding needed available for the next fiscal year based on the amount available in the fund, anticipated funding needs, other existing funding sources, and other relevant data and information.(c) The annual fund expenditure plan shall identify the funding need of disadvantaged communities and low-income households whose water bill charges pose affordability challenges based on metrics developed by the department, state board board, and the Public Utilities Commission.(d) The annual fund expenditure plan shall include analysis with metrics to evaluate how expenditures from prior fiscal years improved affordability.
116931.1. (a) The department and state board shall, in consultation with the advisory group described in subdivision (b) of Section 116931 and after a public hearing, adopt an annual fund expenditure plan. The annual fund expenditure plan may be incorporated into the fund expenditure plan developed pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 116768) of Chapter 4.6.
(b) The annual fund expenditure plan shall contain all of the following:
(1) Identification of key terms, criteria, and metrics, and their definitions related to implementation of this section.
(2) A description of how proposed remedies related to this section will be identified, evaluated, prioritized, and included in the annual fund expenditure plan.
(3) A report of expenditures from the fund for the prior fiscal year and planned expenditures for the current fiscal year.
(4) (A) An estimate of the number of households eligible for assistance, including those that do not receive a direct bill for water.
(B) In identifying household eligibility, the department shall consider both of the following:
(i) If any member of the customers household is a current enrollee in, or recipient of, CalWORKs, CalFresh, general assistance, Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income or State Supplementary Payment Program, or California Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
(ii) Utility customers enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance program established pursuant to Section 739.12 of the Public Utilities Code.
(5) A section that discusses water affordability challenges and proposed solutions for reducing water debt for eligible Californians served by public water systems, state small water systems, local small water systems, and domestic wells. An evaluation of solutions shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(A) Amortization of an unpaid balance.
(B) Participation in an alternative payment schedule.
(C) Partial or full reduction of the unpaid balance financed without additional charges to other ratepayers.
(D) Temporary deferral of payment.
(E) An arrearage management plan.
(F) Tiered water rates or percentage Percentage of income payment plan.
(G)Methods to retain water system solvency, such as the use of fixed rates and increased use of water meters to improve planning.
(6) Methods to ensure timely and meaningful public participation and encourage enrollment in the program.
(6)
(7) An estimate of the funding needed available for the next fiscal year based on the amount available in the fund, anticipated funding needs, other existing funding sources, and other relevant data and information.
(c) The annual fund expenditure plan shall identify the funding need of disadvantaged communities and low-income households whose water bill charges pose affordability challenges based on metrics developed by the department, state board board, and the Public Utilities Commission.
(d) The annual fund expenditure plan shall include analysis with metrics to evaluate how expenditures from prior fiscal years improved affordability.
116931.2. (a) By July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to regularly share data with the state board department regarding the utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program. program. Electrical corporations and gas corporations shall regularly share that data with the state board department through the mechanism.(b) (1) The state board department may require enter into agreements with local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, including, but not limited to, municipal utility districts and irrigation districts, to regularly share for the purpose of regularly sharing data with the state board department regarding utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, affordability programs benefiting low-income customers.(2) The agreements may authorize the department to provide data pursuant to this subdivision to local water agencies for the sole purpose of assisting with the administration of the program.(c) Data shared pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) is subject to the confidentiality protections of Section 6254.16 of the Government Code. Code and the department shall ensure that the confidentiality of the contact information is protected under reasonable security procedures.(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local publicly owned electric utility or local publicly owned gas utility is not subject to civil or criminal liability for the accuracy of, or any use, nonuse, or improper release of, the contact information it provides pursuant to this section, including, without limitation, for any deficiencies or inaccuracies of the contact information provided.
116931.2. (a) By July 1, 2022, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a mechanism for electrical corporations and gas corporations to regularly share data with the state board department regarding the utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program established pursuant to Section 739.1 of the Public Utilities Code and the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program. program. Electrical corporations and gas corporations shall regularly share that data with the state board department through the mechanism.
(b) (1) The state board department may require enter into agreements with local publicly owned electric utilities and local publicly owned gas utilities, including, but not limited to, municipal utility districts and irrigation districts, to regularly share for the purpose of regularly sharing data with the state board department regarding utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, affordability programs benefiting low-income customers.
(2) The agreements may authorize the department to provide data pursuant to this subdivision to local water agencies for the sole purpose of assisting with the administration of the program.
(c) Data shared pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) is subject to the confidentiality protections of Section 6254.16 of the Government Code. Code and the department shall ensure that the confidentiality of the contact information is protected under reasonable security procedures.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local publicly owned electric utility or local publicly owned gas utility is not subject to civil or criminal liability for the accuracy of, or any use, nonuse, or improper release of, the contact information it provides pursuant to this section, including, without limitation, for any deficiencies or inaccuracies of the contact information provided.
Article 3. Fund Expenditures116932. (a) If moneys are deposited into the fund before the adoption of an annual fund expenditure plan, the department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend those moneys from the fund to provide water crisis assistance to low-income households through direct assistance to the low-income households, forgiveness of delinquency by the public water system and reimbursement by the department, state board, or some other disbursement mechanism. The state board department may use up to 5 10 percent of those moneys for administrative purposes.(b) The state board department may adopt both of the following if necessary to implement this section: emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).(1)A policy handbook.(2)Emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
Article 3. Fund Expenditures
Article 3. Fund Expenditures
116932. (a) If moneys are deposited into the fund before the adoption of an annual fund expenditure plan, the department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend those moneys from the fund to provide water crisis assistance to low-income households through direct assistance to the low-income households, forgiveness of delinquency by the public water system and reimbursement by the department, state board, or some other disbursement mechanism. The state board department may use up to 5 10 percent of those moneys for administrative purposes.(b) The state board department may adopt both of the following if necessary to implement this section: emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).(1)A policy handbook.(2)Emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
116932. (a) If moneys are deposited into the fund before the adoption of an annual fund expenditure plan, the department, in consultation with the state board board, shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, expend those moneys from the fund to provide water crisis assistance to low-income households through direct assistance to the low-income households, forgiveness of delinquency by the public water system and reimbursement by the department, state board, or some other disbursement mechanism. The state board department may use up to 5 10 percent of those moneys for administrative purposes.
(b) The state board department may adopt both of the following if necessary to implement this section: emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
(1)A policy handbook.
(2)Emergency regulations pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
Article 4. Program Administration116933. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the program:(a) Collect Coordinate with the state board to collect and ensure the accuracy of water rate data and water system boundary data from each public water system.(b) (1) Coordinate with the Public Utilities Commission regarding existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities. utilities. Once an annual funding expenditure plan is adopted, the existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities shall cease if the customers receiving assistance from these programs will receive assistance through the fund equal to, or exceeding, requirements set by the Public Utilities Commission.(2) By January 1, 2023, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a process for transitioning customers from existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities to the program established pursuant to this chapter.(c) For a public water system that is not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, consult with the state board on options to provide oversight of the public water systems implementation of the program to ensure effectiveness and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(d) Develop In consultation with the state board and the Public Utilities Commission, develop and publish performance metrics for the program, including, but not limited to, enrollment levels, total water shutoffs for inability to pay, and on-time payment levels.(e) Coordinate with other state agencies and resolve disputes as necessary.(f) Identify alternative entities to distribute and track benefits if a public water system is unwilling to do so or if the department, in consultation with the state board board, has determined a public water system is incapable of administering the program.
Article 4. Program Administration
Article 4. Program Administration
116933. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the program:(a) Collect Coordinate with the state board to collect and ensure the accuracy of water rate data and water system boundary data from each public water system.(b) (1) Coordinate with the Public Utilities Commission regarding existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities. utilities. Once an annual funding expenditure plan is adopted, the existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities shall cease if the customers receiving assistance from these programs will receive assistance through the fund equal to, or exceeding, requirements set by the Public Utilities Commission.(2) By January 1, 2023, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a process for transitioning customers from existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities to the program established pursuant to this chapter.(c) For a public water system that is not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, consult with the state board on options to provide oversight of the public water systems implementation of the program to ensure effectiveness and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.(d) Develop In consultation with the state board and the Public Utilities Commission, develop and publish performance metrics for the program, including, but not limited to, enrollment levels, total water shutoffs for inability to pay, and on-time payment levels.(e) Coordinate with other state agencies and resolve disputes as necessary.(f) Identify alternative entities to distribute and track benefits if a public water system is unwilling to do so or if the department, in consultation with the state board board, has determined a public water system is incapable of administering the program.
116933. The state board department shall do all of the following in administering the program:
(a) Collect Coordinate with the state board to collect and ensure the accuracy of water rate data and water system boundary data from each public water system.
(b) (1) Coordinate with the Public Utilities Commission regarding existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities. utilities. Once an annual funding expenditure plan is adopted, the existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities shall cease if the customers receiving assistance from these programs will receive assistance through the fund equal to, or exceeding, requirements set by the Public Utilities Commission.
(2) By January 1, 2023, the Public Utilities Commission shall establish a process for transitioning customers from existing rate assistance programs for investor-owned water utilities to the program established pursuant to this chapter.
(c) For a public water system that is not regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, consult with the state board on options to provide oversight of the public water systems implementation of the program to ensure effectiveness and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
(d) Develop In consultation with the state board and the Public Utilities Commission, develop and publish performance metrics for the program, including, but not limited to, enrollment levels, total water shutoffs for inability to pay, and on-time payment levels.
(e) Coordinate with other state agencies and resolve disputes as necessary.
(f) Identify alternative entities to distribute and track benefits if a public water system is unwilling to do so or if the department, in consultation with the state board board, has determined a public water system is incapable of administering the program.
Article 5. Definitions116934. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Department means the Department of Community Services and Development. (a)(b) Fund means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund created pursuant to Section 116930.(b)(c) Low income means a household income, or a community annual median household income, that is equal to or no greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline level.(c)(d) Program means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to this chapter.(d)(e) Public water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.(e)(f) State board means the State Water Resources Control Board.(f)(g) State small water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.
Article 5. Definitions
Article 5. Definitions
116934. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:(a) Department means the Department of Community Services and Development. (a)(b) Fund means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund created pursuant to Section 116930.(b)(c) Low income means a household income, or a community annual median household income, that is equal to or no greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline level.(c)(d) Program means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to this chapter.(d)(e) Public water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.(e)(f) State board means the State Water Resources Control Board.(f)(g) State small water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.
116934. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(a) Department means the Department of Community Services and Development.
(a)
(b) Fund means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Fund created pursuant to Section 116930.
(b)
(c) Low income means a household income, or a community annual median household income, that is equal to or no greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline level.
(c)
(d) Program means the Water Affordability Rate Assistance Program established pursuant to this chapter.
(d)
(e) Public water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.
(e)
(f) State board means the State Water Resources Control Board.
(f)
(g) State small water system has the same meaning as defined in Section 116275.
SEC. 2.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
SEC. 2.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
SEC. 2.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
### SEC. 2.SEC. 3.