Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1060

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/24
• Refer: 2/2/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Assistance to replace customer-side water service lines containing lead. (FE)

Impact

This legislation will amend existing statutes by creating new provisions that facilitate utility programs aimed at upgrading lead-exposed water service lines. In doing so, AB1060 promotes public health and safety by tackling the widespread issue of lead in drinking water. Moreover, it places financial responsibility on utility rates for the assistance programs, which may impact future utility pricing structures and funding allocations. As a result, public utilities will have increased capacity to implement municipal grants and loans to meet lead replacement obligations dictated by local ordinances.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1060 is designed to assist property owners in replacing customer-side water service lines that contain lead. The bill allows water public utilities to provide financial assistance, in the form of grants or loans, for this initiative. Specifically, the financial assistance is contingent upon the local government enacting an ordinance mandating the replacement of these lead-contaminated lines. The bill underscores the obligation of utilities to ensure that both the customer-side and utility-side lines do not contain lead at the time of replacement, establishing a clearer framework for managing lead risks in water supply systems.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding AB1060 include discussions about funding mechanisms and the extent of utility involvement. Critics may argue that reliance on utility rates for funding raises questions regarding affordability for consumers, particularly in lower-income areas. Moreover, there may be concerns about the burden of regulatory compliance on local governments as they develop ordinances aligning with state mandates. Stakeholders may also express differing opinions on whether the financial aid provided to homeowners is sufficient or adequately supervised to ensure effective lead line replacements.