SB1724 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB101 07218 AXK 52256 b

101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2019 and 2020
SB1724

Introduced 2/15/2019, by Sen. Napoleon Harris, III

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

110 ILCS 425/22 new

Amends the University of Illinois Scientific Surveys Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, no later than December 1, 2020, the Illinois State Water Survey, in coordination with the Department of Public Health, must issue a report evaluating the setting of water rates throughout Illinois; specifies report requirements. Provides that in developing the report, the Illinois State Water Survey shall form an advisory committee; provides for the committee's membership. Provides that no later than 60 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, the Illinois State Water Survey must provide an opportunity for public comment on the questions to be addressed in the report, the metrics to be used, and the recommendations that need to be issued. Repeals the provision on January 1, 2021. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The University of Illinois Scientific Surveys Act is amended by adding Section 22 as follows:

(110 ILCS 425/22 new)

Sec. 22. Water rates report.

(a) Subject to appropriation, no later than December 1, 2020, the Illinois State Water Survey, in coordination with the Department of Public Health, must issue a report evaluating the setting of water rates throughout Illinois. The report must provide recommendations for policy and regulatory needs at the State and local level based on its findings. The report shall, at a minimum, address all of the following areas:

(1) The components of a water bill.

(2) Reasons for increases in water rates.

(3) The definition of affordability throughout the State and any variances to that definition.

(4) Evidence of rate-setting that utilizes inappropriate practices.

(5) The extent to which State or local policies drive cost increases or variations in rate-settings.

(6) Challenges within economically disadvantaged communities in setting water rates.

(7) Opportunities for increased intergovernmental coordination for setting equitable water rates.

(b) In developing the report under this Section, the Illinois State Water Survey shall form an advisory committee, which shall be composed of all of the following members:

(1) The Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, or his or her designee.

(2) The Director of Natural Resources, or his or her designee.

(3) The Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, or his or her designee.

(4) The Attorney General, or his or her designee.

(5) At least 2 members who are representatives of private water utilities operating in Illinois, appointed by the Director of the Illinois State Water Survey.

(6) At least 2 members who are representatives of municipal water utilities, appointed by the Director of the Illinois State Water Survey.

(7) One member who is a representative of an environmental justice advocacy organization, appointed by the Director of the Illinois State Water Survey.

(8) One member who is a representative of a consumer advocacy organization, appointed by the Director of Public Health.

(9) One member who is a representative of an environmental planning organization that serves northeastern Illinois, appointed by the Director of the Illinois State Water Survey.

(c) After all members are appointed, the committee shall hold its first meeting at the call of the Director of the Illinois State Water Survey, at which meeting the members shall select a chairperson from among themselves. After its first meeting, the committee shall meet at the call of the chairperson. Members of the committee shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties. The Department of Public Health shall provide administrative and other support to the committee.

(d) No later than 60 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly, the Illinois State Water Survey must provide an opportunity for public comment on the questions to be addressed in the report, the metrics to be used, and the recommendations that need to be issued.

(e) This Section is repealed on January 1, 2021.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.