Legislation Impacting Authorities
HB 50 requires third-class cities with home rule charters to obtain approval from 75% of surrounding municipalities before privatizing their water or wastewater systems, ensuring fair participation in significant decisions. The bill aims to protect public ownership, prevent profit-driven rate hikes, and maintain affordable, reliable, and transparent water and wastewater services for Pennsylvania's residents.
HB 308: PMAA signed onto an opposition letter with the Local Government Conference regarding House Bill 308. This bill requires the Commonwealth to prepare a state plan for the development of occupational safety and health standards with respect only to public employers and employees. The plan provides for standards and enforcement that is or will be at least as effective as federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards. PMAA opposes this bill, as it would impose substantial costs on local governments that already implement extensive risk management and worker safety programs.
HB 322 enhances transparency and consumer protection when for-profit companies seek PUC approval to acquire water systems or raise rates, ensuring better public participation through both mail and electronic comment submissions. We recommend strengthening the bill by requiring for-profit companies to notify customers about system acquisitions under Section 1329 of the Public Utility Code, aligning with existing customer notification requirements for rate increases to ensure consistent transparency and public input.
HB 509 requires distressed municipalities to obtain approval from 75% of surrounding municipalities before privatizing their water or wastewater systems, ensuring consumers have a voice in the decision. The bill seeks to safeguard public ownership, prevent excessive rate hikes, and ensure the continued affordability, quality, and transparency of essential water and sewer services for residents.
SB 183 aims to shift oversight of bottled water from DEP to PDA. We believe bottled water should remain under DEP oversight due to its expertise in overseeing safe drinking water systems. Bottled water should be held to the same rigorous standards as other drinking water in Pennsylvania to protect public health, ensuring it is properly monitored, sampled, and treated.
SB 395 amends the definition of "plumbing services" requiring utility employees and contractors to be licensed plumbers for tasks like meter exchanges and backflow device installations, which is not currently necessary. Additionally, this could significantly raise the cost of replacing lead service lines, as our members work to implement federal rules on lead and copper.