Michigan House Bill HB5090

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/4/23
• Refer: 10/4/23

Caption

Public utilities: water utilities; water shutoff protection act; enact. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0980'24, HB 5088'23, HB 5089'23

Impact

The enactment of HB 5090 would significantly alter the landscape of water service provision in Michigan. By introducing stringent guidelines for service shutoffs, the bill aims to ensure that critical care customers—residents who require water for health-related purposes—are protected from disconnections of service. This reinforces state protections for those at risk of losing access to essential services due to financial difficulties, thereby promoting public health and welfare among the state's most vulnerable populations.

Summary

House Bill 5090, known as the Water Shutoff Protection Act, establishes regulations governing retail water service providers in the state of Michigan. The bill aims to protect vulnerable populations from water shutoff due to nonpayment, particularly targeting low-income households and those reliant on water for critical medical equipment. It stipulates that providers must follow specific procedures before shutting off water services, including issuing multiple notices and allowing a grace period for eligible customers who are in payment programs or experiencing financial hardship.

Contention

While there is broad support for measures aimed at assisting low-income individuals, there are concerns regarding how the implementation of HB 5090 might affect water providers and their ability to manage unpaid accounts. Critics argue that the bill could lead to financial strain on water providers if they are unable to collect fees owed for services rendered. Additionally, there may be challenges regarding the definition and verification of 'critical care customers' and the documentation required, which could potentially lead to complications in enforcement and compliance.