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 municipalities to use public funds and municipal employees for such work but specifies that the municipality would not be deemed the owner of private laterals solely by performing the work.

Committee staff said municipalities already have some authority under Act 44 of 2017 to repair or replace private laterals, and the bill would clarify and expand that authority. Chairman Freeman read the bill summary and presided over consideration.

Two amendments were adopted before the vote. Amendment A00464, offered by Chairman Freeman, requires municipalities and contractors to use "best efforts" to utilize materials made or assembled in the United States, and allows the municipality or contractor to adopt a written waiver if U.S. materials are unavailable in sufficient quantities or within the necessary timeframe. The amendment also clarified that the bill would not supersede laws requiring competitive bidding.

Amendment A00559, offered by Chairman Miller, adds language to prohibit actions under the bill that would constitute a conflict of interest. Miller said the change was intended to "dispell some of the concerns" about potential favoritism by local officials.

Representative Miller announced he would vote no on the bill as reported, citing the need for additional safeguards such as special assessments or liens so municipal taxpayer dollars would not fund private repairs without protections. Other members, including Serrato and supporters, said the bill addresses public health and community safety concerns.

The committee recorded the bill as reported by a 14-12 vote. The bill now moves to the next step in the legislative process, with further amendments possible on the floor.