Water Debt Relief Act of 2021

3/8/2023, 8:12 PM

Water Debt Relief Act of 2021

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a residential emergency relief program. Under the program, the EPA must reimburse public water systems for providing forgiveness of the debts and fees of customers who incurred new debts on or after March 1, 2020.

Bill 117 hr 3292, also known as the Water Debt Relief Act of 2021, aims to provide financial assistance to low-income households struggling to pay their water bills. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 13, 2021, by Representative Brenda Lawrence from Michigan.

The Water Debt Relief Act of 2021 proposes the establishment of a grant program to assist eligible households in paying off their water debt. The program would be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with state and local governments.

Under the bill, eligible households must meet certain income requirements to qualify for assistance. The grants provided would be used specifically for paying off past due water bills, preventing water shutoffs, and ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for all individuals. The bill also includes provisions for monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of the grant program, as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds. Overall, the Water Debt Relief Act of 2021 seeks to address the growing issue of water affordability and accessibility for low-income households in the United States. It aims to provide much-needed relief to those struggling to keep up with their water bills, ultimately ensuring that all individuals have access to this essential resource.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 3292

Introduced on
2021-05-18

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/18/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Water Debt Relief Act of 2021

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a residential emergency relief program. Under the program, the EPA must reimburse public water systems for providing forgiveness of the debts and fees of customers who incurred new debts on or after March 1, 2020.

Bill 117 hr 3292, also known as the Water Debt Relief Act of 2021, aims to provide financial assistance to low-income households struggling to pay their water bills. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 13, 2021, by Representative Brenda Lawrence from Michigan.

The Water Debt Relief Act of 2021 proposes the establishment of a grant program to assist eligible households in paying off their water debt. The program would be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with state and local governments.

Under the bill, eligible households must meet certain income requirements to qualify for assistance. The grants provided would be used specifically for paying off past due water bills, preventing water shutoffs, and ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for all individuals. The bill also includes provisions for monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of the grant program, as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds. Overall, the Water Debt Relief Act of 2021 seeks to address the growing issue of water affordability and accessibility for low-income households in the United States. It aims to provide much-needed relief to those struggling to keep up with their water bills, ultimately ensuring that all individuals have access to this essential resource.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a residential emergency relief program to provide payment assistance for households to retain water service, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Environmental Protection

Potential Impact
Consumer credit
Public utilities and utility rates
Water quality
Water use and supply

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary12/13/2021

Water Debt Relief Act of 2021

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a residential emergency relief program. Under the program, the EPA must reimburse public water systems for providing forgiveness...


Latest Action5/19/2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change.