Committee backs bill letting municipalities repair private water and sewer laterals, adds US‑made materials requirement

House Local Government Committee members reported House Bill 1048 on a 14-12 vote after adopting amendments that add a U.S.-made materials preference and a conflict-of-interest prohibition.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Serrato, would add a new chapter to Title 53 to authorize cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, and townships to repair or replace private water or sewer laterals connected to public systems when the municipality determines the work benefits public health, the public water supply, or the public sewer system. The legislation allows…