WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 66

An Act amending Title 65 (Public Officers) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions, for restricted activities and for penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Baker and 7 co-sponsors

SB 66 prevents local authorities from forcing small adult foster care facilities (≤50 residents) with adequate well capacity and compliant water from connecting to public water.

Referred to State Government
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 66

SB 66 — Summary (Safe Drinking Water Act: adult foster care facilities & well-to-public‑system switching)

Status: Referred to Committee on Housing and Human Services
Introduced: August 4, 2025
Subject: Water supply systems; human services — adult foster care facilities

Purpose / Intent

SB 66 seeks to protect small adult foster care facilities that rely on private well water from being forced by a local government or local authority to connect to a public waterworks system, provided the facility’s well meets basic capacity and water‑quality standards. The bill adds a new Section 15a to the Safe Drinking Water Act (1976 PA 399, MCL 325.1001–325.1023).

Key provisions

  • Adds new Section 15a to the Safe Drinking Water Act.
  • Prohibits a local unit of government or any authority created by one or more local units from requiring an adult foster care facility to connect to a different waterworks system when both of the following are true:
    • The facility is supplied by well water that is of sufficient volume (capacity); and
    • The well water does not exceed the maximum permissible level for any contaminant (i.e., meets applicable contaminant limits).
  • Defines “adult foster care facility” for purposes of the section by reference to section 3 of the Adult Foster Care Facilities Licensing Act (1979 PA 218, MCL 400.703) and limits the provision to facilities that provide care to 50 or fewer residents.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: small adult foster care facilities (≤50 residents) using private wells that meet capacity and contaminant standards — they cannot be compelled by local governments to switch to a public water system.
  • Local governments and local authorities that regulate utilities and land use — their authority to require connection in the specific circumstances described would be restricted.
  • Public water utilities and authorities — potential loss of new customer connections in those circumstances.
  • Residents and operators of affected facilities, and potentially public‑health and environmental regulators responsible for oversight of drinking water safety.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Benefits: may reduce immediate capital and service‑connection costs for small adult foster care providers; preserves continuity of service where an existing well is adequate.
  • Public‑health considerations: the prohibition applies only if the well meets capacity and contaminant limits; ongoing monitoring and enforcement of those conditions will be important to ensure continued safety.
  • Local planning/utility finance: limits on mandatory hookups could affect local water planning, system expansion, and utility revenue forecasts.
  • Implementation questions: the bill does not set out inspection, testing frequency, or enforcement mechanisms for verifying continued compliance (these remain with existing drinking‑water regulatory frameworks).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • The bill was introduced on August 4, 2025 and, per bill information, has been referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services for consideration. Further committee action (hearings, amendments, votes) will determine next steps.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.