New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3114

Introduced
3/7/22  
Refer
3/7/22  

Caption

Requires water suppliers to reimburse residential customers for drinking water testing under certain circumstances.

Impact

The bill seeks to enhance consumer protection and accountability in how public water systems manage and report water quality. The legislation supplements existing laws regarding water management and enforcement in New Jersey. By ensuring that customers are not burdened with the financial costs of necessary water testing, A3114 aims to promote higher standards of public health and safety across the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3114, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, mandates that public water suppliers reimburse residential customers for the costs of drinking water testing under specific circumstances. This legislation arises from concerns about water quality standards and the need for transparency regarding potential contamination. If a water supplier's testing reveals exceedances of established contaminant levels, the cost of further testing by independent laboratories will be covered by the supplier.

Sentiment

Support for A3114 is generally favorable among legislators, with the sentiment reflecting a commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring clean drinking water. The bill received unanimous support in the Assembly Special Committee on Infrastructure and Natural Resources, indicating a collaborative approach to public health concerns. Stakeholders view this measure as a necessary step toward increased transparency and accountability in water quality management.

Contention

While there has been broad support for the bill, concerns regarding the regulatory burden on water suppliers and the potential financial implications have been raised. Some critics argue that mandating reimbursements could lead to higher operational costs for public water systems, which might, in turn, affect consumer rates. However, proponents counter that the long-term benefits of ensuring safe and tested drinking water outweigh these potential drawbacks.

Companion Bills

NJ S1612

Same As Requires water suppliers to reimburse residential customers for drinking water testing under certain circumstances.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1612

Requires water suppliers to reimburse residential customers for drinking water testing under certain circumstances.

NJ S1014

Requires water suppliers to reimburse residential customers for drinking water testing under certain circumstances.

NJ A3712

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of residential units for lead drinking water hazards.

NJ A2929

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards.

NJ S2695

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of residential rental units for lead drinking water hazards.

NJ S1034

Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards.

NJ S1608

Requires public water systems to provide customers with certain information regarding lead in drinking water.

NJ A1058

Requires public community water systems to provide customers with certain information regarding lead in drinking water.

NJ A2901

Requires public community water systems to provide customers with certain information regarding lead in drinking water.

NJ S1023

Requires public water systems to provide certain notice of boil water notices and violations of drinking water quality standards.

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CA AB1429

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CA AB2504

Living Organ Donor Reimbursement Act.