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Bill Summary · SB 252

Summary of Senate Bill 252: Water Shutoff Protection Act

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SB 252
- Title: Water supply: systems and utilities; water shutoff protection act; enact.
- Status: Referred to Committee of the Whole
- Introduced: April 23, 2025
- Sponsors: Senator Stephanie Chang (Primary), John Damoose, Sue Shink, Rosemary Bayer, Darrin Camilleri, Mary Cavanagh, Jeremy Moss, Mallory McMorrow, Erika Geiss (Cosponsors)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 252 aims to protect residential customers from water service shutoffs due to nonpayment, particularly for low-income households. The bill establishes guidelines for water service providers to follow before shutting off water, ensuring that vulnerable populations, including those enrolled in affordability programs, are safeguarded.

Key Provisions

  1. Water Shutoff Restrictions:

    • Prohibits water service providers from shutting off residential water service while a customer is enrolled in a water affordability program.
    • Prevents shutoffs for nonpayment within 120 days of the payment due date.

  2. Notification Requirements:

    • Providers must contact customers at least three times using various methods (e.g., written notices, phone calls) before initiating a shutoff.
    • Delinquency notices must include information about payment plans and available programs to prevent shutoff.

  3. Payment Arrangements:

    • Customers can delay shutoff by making a minimum payment of $10 per month while applying for a water affordability program.
    • Shutoffs can only occur during specified hours and cannot happen on days when restoration services are unavailable.

  4. Restoration Fees:

    • Providers may charge a maximum restoration fee of $150 but cannot impose shutoff fees.

  5. Triage Process:

    • Customers who fail to comply with program requirements must undergo a triage process to restore compliance and prevent disenrollment.

  6. Legal Recourse:

    • The Attorney General or lawful occupants can file civil actions for damages or injunctive relief for violations of the act.

  7. Language Access:

    • Providers are required to take reasonable steps to ensure equal language access to water services and vital information for residential customers.

Impact

  • Target Population: The bill primarily affects low-income residential customers, particularly those whose household income does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  • Financial Implications: The bill is expected to reduce the number of shutoffs among vulnerable populations, potentially increasing revenue for water providers as customers maintain service through payment arrangements.
  • Administrative Requirements: Water providers will need to implement new notification and compliance processes, which may incur administrative costs.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill has been reported favorably without amendment as of November 4, 2025, and is currently under consideration by the Committee of the Whole.
  • The provisions of the bill are designed to be implemented in conjunction with other related legislation (tie-barred with SB 0248 and SB 0250).

This summary provides an overview of Senate Bill 252, highlighting its intent to protect vulnerable customers from water shutoffs while ensuring that water service providers adhere to specific guidelines.

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

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