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Bill

SB 25

Public utilities: water utilities; human right to water act; create. Creates new act.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 13 co-sponsors

Michigan bill establishes water access as a human right, requiring utilities to ensure adequate affordable service with potential legal protections for residents facing shutoffs or unaffordable rates.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES
#publicutilities:consumerservices #publicutilities:waterutilities
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 25

Legislative bill overview

SB 25 proposes creating a new act in Michigan that establishes water access as a human right and creates associated legal protections and obligations for water utilities. The bill would establish a statutory framework recognizing and protecting citizens' right to access adequate water supplies, likely including affordability provisions and utility service standards.

Why is this important

Water access is fundamental to public health, yet many Michigan residents—particularly in lower-income communities—face water shutoffs, unaffordable rates, or contamination issues. Codifying water as a human right would legally obligate utilities to ensure baseline service levels and could provide grounds for legal remedies when access is denied or made unaffordable.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Requiring utilities to maintain universal access at affordable rates could increase operational expenses, potentially raising rates for other customers or requiring public subsidies
  • Definition disputes: "Adequate water" and "affordable" lack universal definitions; disagreement likely over specific thresholds, consumption amounts, and pricing mechanisms
  • Utility financial viability: Small or struggling water systems may argue compliance requirements are operationally or financially unfeasible, particularly in rural areas with aging infrastructure
  • Scope uncertainty: Unclear whether the act applies to public utilities only, private companies, or both, and how it interacts with existing water rights law and local governance

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

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