Bill
S 4344
Bill S 4344 prevents municipal utilities from charging fire districts for water services tied to fire protection systems, easing financial burdens on these taxpayer-funded entities.
Bill Number: S 4344
Title: Prohibits municipal utilities authority from charging fire district and fire department water service charges for fire protection systems in certain circumstances.
Status: Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
Introduced: May 12, 2025
Sponsor: Senator Paul D. Moriarty (District 4: Atlantic, Camden, and Gloucester)
Related Bills: A 5538 (companion)
Bill S 4344 aims to amend existing legislation regarding water service charges imposed by municipal utilities authorities. The primary intent is to prevent these authorities from charging fire districts and fire departments for water service related to fire protection systems, under specific conditions. This legislation seeks to alleviate financial burdens on fire districts that are also taxpayers of the municipal authority.
Prohibition of Charges: The bill prohibits municipal utilities authorities from imposing water service charges on fire districts for fire protection systems if those charges are also imposed on customers who are taxpayers of the fire district.
Uniform Rate Structure: Municipal authorities must establish a rate structure that ensures uniform water service charges for both general water supply services and fire protection systems.
Standby Fees: The bill explicitly states that no standby fees or charges can be imposed on residential customers with a water service line of two inches or less in diameter for fire protection systems.
Service Line Requirements: Municipal authorities retain the right to require separate dedicated service lines for fire protection and may mandate that these lines be metered.
Connection Fees: The bill allows for connection fees to be charged for new connections to the water system, ensuring these fees are uniform within user classes and do not exceed the actual cost of the connection.
Limitations on Charges: The bill also stipulates that no municipal authority can charge more than the actual cost of water used for sprinkler systems in certain residential health care facilities and boarding houses.
Affected Entities: This bill primarily affects municipal utilities authorities, fire districts, and fire departments within New Jersey. It aims to reduce the financial burden on fire districts that are also taxpayers, ensuring they are not double-charged for water services.
Financial Implications: By prohibiting certain charges, the bill could lead to cost savings for fire districts, allowing them to allocate funds more effectively towards fire protection and emergency services.
Bill S 4344 represents a significant step towards ensuring that fire districts are not unfairly charged for water services related to fire protection systems. By establishing clear guidelines and prohibitions, the bill aims to promote fairness and efficiency in the management of municipal water services.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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