House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

Posted:	December 11, 2020 09:49 AM
From:	Representative Austin A. Davis
To:	All House members
Subject:	Amending Title 66 - Single Water Meters Servicing Multiple Units

When friends go out to dinner, splitting the check is often the least fun part of the night. Can you imagine splitting the monthly water bill among the residents of a multi-unit dwelling? People who conserve water pay too much; people who waste water pay too little. I am proposing a bill to provide fairness for these residents. My legislation will amend the Title 66 (Public Utilities) definition of “Landlord Ratepayer” to include condominiums, cooperatives and planned communities. This will bring much needed consumer regulatory protection for unit owners and provide oversight by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Closing this gap in protection for consumers living in multi-unit buildings and complexes will avoid issues created by the use of a single water meter for all units. It will end the need for homeowners’ associations to collect shares from multiple parties for a single water meter, curtailing confusing paperwork and the chance of misuse of these funds, leading to a water shut-off affecting numerous residents. It is our duty as representatives of the people of this Commonwealth, to provide the highest level of consumer protection for our residents. Let us show ratepayers that we have their interest at heart.
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Introduced as HB376