WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 1049

An Act promoting drinking water quality for all

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Higgins and 2 co-sponsors

H 1049 - An Act Promoting Drinking Water Quality for All SummaryThis bill, titled "An Act promoting drinking water quality for all," is intended to address concerns over the qualit

Accompanied a study order, see H5307
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1049

H 1049 - An Act Promoting Drinking Water Quality for All

Summary

This bill, titled "An Act promoting drinking water quality for all," is intended to address concerns over the quality and safety of drinking water across the state. The key provisions of the legislation include:

Establishing a Statewide Drinking Water Quality Program

  • Creates a new state-level program to regularly monitor and test public drinking water systems
  • Requires the program to identify areas with unsafe or substandard drinking water
  • Provides funding for infrastructure improvements and water treatment upgrades in affected communities

Expanding Testing and Reporting Requirements

  • Mandates more frequent and comprehensive water quality testing by public utilities
  • Requires utilities to publicly report test results and notify customers of any water quality issues
  • Establishes penalties for utilities that fail to comply with testing and reporting rules

Assisting Low-Income Households

  • Provides rebates and subsidies to help low-income families afford necessary water filters or treatment systems
  • Directs funding to support water infrastructure upgrades in disadvantaged communities

Increasing Oversight and Enforcement

  • Strengthens the state's ability to inspect water systems and enforce drinking water standards
  • Empowers regulators to levy significant fines against utilities that violate water quality laws

Impact

This bill is intended to improve access to safe, clean drinking water for all state residents, with a particular focus on supporting low-income and underserved communities. By establishing comprehensive water quality monitoring, upgrading aging infrastructure, and providing assistance to households, the legislation aims to protect public health and ensure equitable access to essential water resources.

The bill has bipartisan support and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, with a reporting deadline of December 31, 2025. Its passage would represent a significant investment in the state's drinking water systems and a step towards addressing longstanding disparities in water quality.

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

Sign in to ask a question.