Human services: services or financial assistance; low-income water residential affordability program task force; create. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 14q. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0549'23, SB 0550'23, SB 0551'23
The introduction of this task force is intended to provide guidance and best practices for administering initiatives aimed at making water services affordable for low-income households. The task force is required to develop educational outreach materials and seek additional funding sources to support the affordability program. It is expected that this will have a significant impact on how water services are billed and accessed by economically vulnerable communities across the state.
House Bill 6228 seeks to amend the 1939 PA 280, known as 'The Social Welfare Act', by adding a new section focused on establishing a low-income water residential affordability program task force. The bill mandates the creation of this task force within 30 days of the bill's enactment, comprised of representatives from various water providers, consumer advocacy groups, and municipal governments, which aims to address water affordability for low-income residents.
The effectiveness of HB6228 is contingent upon the enactment of the aforementioned Senate Bills, which indicates that this new approach to addressing water affordability is part of a larger legislative strategy. Thus, the passage of these accompanying bills is crucial for moving forward with the provisions of HB6228, potentially affecting various other welfare aspects related to water resources in Michigan.
One of the notable points of contention related to HB6228 may center around the extent of state involvement in regulating water pricing and the administration of funds for these services. Stakeholders may argue either for or against the level of oversight and guidance issued by the state in establishing and enforcing the affordability guidelines. Additionally, the bill's tie-bar with other bills (Senate Bill Nos. 549, 550, and 551) raises questions regarding broader implications and the necessity of a coordinated effort in state legislation covering multiple aspects of water services.