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House Consumer Protection committee debates 12-month moratorium on privatizing water systems
Summary
Members split over House Bill 1964, which would impose a 12-month moratorium on privatization of public water and wastewater systems and repeal Act 12 of 2016 valuation rules; supporters point to protections and a working group, opponents warn of rate and infrastructure consequences.
The House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee considered House Bill 1964, the "Public Water Protection Act," which would impose a 12-month moratorium on the privatization of public water and wastewater systems and repeal the fair-market valuation rules set out in Act 12 of 2016.
A committee member opposing the bill told the panel that while no one wants rate increases, removing privatization as an option risks leaving communities with unsafe water and failing infrastructure. "The goal isn't 0 increases. The goal is actually, to be responsible and have sustainable systems over time," the committee member said, urging a no vote and saying municipalities need tools to address major repairs without unduly…
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