Requires advance notice of water supply discontinuations for non-payment of local government water bills; requires offer of payment plan in certain circumstances.
The implementation of S2388 is significant for state law as it establishes a required notification process before any water supply discontinuation. This could lead to changes in how local governments handle delinquent water bills. Municipalities will have to ensure compliance with the notice requirements, which may involve additional administrative processes. By emphasizing notification, the bill aims to prevent abrupt water service interruptions, thereby addressing public health concerns.
Senate Bill 2388, introduced by Senator Shirley K. Turner, seeks to amend existing statutes concerning local government water supply services. The bill mandates that municipal authorities must provide a written notice at least 15 days prior to the discontinuation of water supply due to non-payment of water bills. This amendment is designed to ensure that both property owners and tenants are adequately informed before any service is cut, ultimately seeking to protect the basic necessity of access to water.
While the bill aims to provide essential protections to tenants and property owners, potential points of contention could arise around the definitions of 'reasonable' payment plans and the enforcement of these notification requirements. Property owners and municipal authorities might express concerns about the financial implications of being required to offer payment plans, especially during times of economic hardship or natural disasters that can affect payment stress levels. Critics may argue about the balance between protecting tenant rights and the financial sustainability of municipal water services.