Prohibits water companies from assessing more than one charge per fire hydrant to fire departments, fire districts, or volunteer fire companies for use of fire hydrants.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight

Prohibits water companies from charging more than one hydrant fee per event for fire departments, districts, and volunteers using a single hydrant.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee

Bill Summary: S 4463 (NJ, 222nd Session)

Purpose and Intent

S 4463 seeks to protect fire departments, fire districts, and volunteer fire companies in New Jersey from being charged more than a single fee by water companies for the use of fire hydrants. The bill aims to reduce financial burdens on public safety entities that rely on hydrants during emergencies, routine training, and other authorized water uses.

Key Provisions and Changes

Prohibition on multiple charges: Water companies would be barred from assessing more than one charge for the use of a single fire hydrant by fire departments, fire districts, or volunteer fire companies.

Coverage scope: Applies to hydrant use associated with fire suppression and related activities conducted by the specified firefighting entities.

Fee determination: Establishes that only a single charge may be billed for hydrant use per event or per hydrant, rather than multiple fees or repeated charges for the same use.

Oversight and administration: The bill likely directs regulatory or relevant authorities to enforce the prohibition and ensure compliance, though specific enforcement mechanisms (e.g., penalties, audit rights) are not detailed in the summary provided. (Note: The text of the bill would specify exact enforcement provisions.)

Who Would Be Affected

Water utilities and water companies in New Jersey that bill for hydrant use.

Fire departments, fire districts, and volunteer fire companies that rely on hydrants for firefighting operations and related activities.

Public safety entities that may incur hydrant-related charges during incidents, training, and other authorized uses.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction: The bill was introduced in the New Jersey Senate.

Current status: Referred to the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (as of June 15, 2026).

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Senator Angela McKnight.

Next steps: For passage, the committee would typically review, possibly amend, and advance the bill to the full Senate and then to the Assembly (and ultimately to the Governor) following the standard legislative process. Specific timelines depend on committee action and legislative scheduling.

Potential Impacts and Implications

Financial: Reduces or eliminates the burden of multiple hydrant charges on fire response agencies, potentially lowering incident operating costs.

Operational: Simplifies hydrant billing expectations for fire departments and districts, reducing administrative complexity.

Equity and Public Safety: Ensures predictable hydrant-related costs, which could improve preparedness and response budgeting for public safety entities.

Regulatory: May require water utilities to adjust billing practices and maintain compliance with the new prohibition.

Notes for Readers

The exact language, definitions (e.g., what constitutes “use” of a hydrant, whether testing or training scenarios are included), and any exceptions or penalties will be clarified in the bill text.

Monitoring and enforcement details would be outlined in the bill or accompanying regulatory provisions if enacted.