Status: House Floor Amendment No. 1 adopted and bill re‑referred to Rules Committee (Amendment filed 4/2/2025). Primary sponsor: Rep. Nabeela Syed.
Note on scope: House Floor Amendment No. 1 replaces the bill’s original text. The current bill, as amended, addresses (1) access to water and sewer for fire protection districts and (2) limits on public utility “fire protection” charges under the Public Utilities Act.
- Findings
Legislative findings underscore that access to water and sanitary sewer is essential for fire districts to preserve life and property.
Fire Protection District Act — new Section 11n (Water supply access)
A fire protection district may connect to and use the nearest available waterworks and sewerage system controlled or operated by a unit of local government for fire stations, apparatus, and fire protection facilities.
The district may install, maintain, and operate necessary infrastructure for such connections (examples listed: pipes, pumps, hydrants, storage), subject to applicable laws/regulations.
A unit of local government controlling the nearest system may not deny or restrict connection without “good cause.”
Disputes between a fire protection district and another entity over access must be negotiated in good faith; if negotiation fails, the bill provides for a regulatory petition process (intended to involve the appropriate state regulatory authority) to determine reasonable access.
Fee limits: connection fee charged to a fire protection district shall not exceed the connection fee charged to any residential customer; usage fee shall not exceed twice the residential usage fee.
Home rule limitation: home‑rule units may not enact regulations inconsistent with this Section; the Section is a denial and limitation of home‑rule powers.
Public Utilities Act — amendment to Section 9‑223 (Fire protection charge)
Any fire protection charge imposed by a public utility (for providing capacity, facilities and water to meet fire protection needs) must be shown separately and reflect costs associated with that service.
The bill caps such a fire protection charge at no greater than the utility’s average cost spent on maintenance, connection, or use of fire protection services over the past 10 years.
