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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 17, 2019 10:38 AM |
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| From: | Representative Austin A. Davis |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Single Water Meters Servicing Multiple Units – Amending Title 66 |
| Pennsylvania consumers deserve a fair deal no matter where they choose to live. Often, owners residing in multiple-unit dwellings need additional protection when it comes to water meters. One meter should not service all units. Rather, each unit in a multiple-unit dwelling should be required to have individual water meters. When a single meter is shared between all units, it can create a nightmare for residents and homeowners associations collecting shares from all parties. In my home county of Allegheny, a housing complex in Clairton faced unexpected water shut-off notices to almost 200 homes after the owner (Century Arms Townhomes LCC) filed for bankruptcy leaving over $260,000 in unpaid utility bills to the homeowners association that pays the water and sewage bills for the community’s residents. Therefore, I am introducing legislation that amends the definition of “Landlord Ratepayer” found in Title 66, Subchapter B (Discontinuance of Service to Leased Premises) to include condominiums, cooperatives and planned communities. This will bring much needed consumer regulatory protection for unit owners and provide a process, moving forward, with oversight by the Public Utility Commission. This legislation was previously introduced as HB 291. The new version was drafted in consultation and input from the Public Utility Commission and interested stakeholders representing planned communities. It is our duty as representatives of the people of this Commonwealth, to provide the highest level of consumer protection for our residents. The Pennsylvania Constitution guarantees us the right to clean, drinkable water. This legislation will ensure that fundamental right. |
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| View Attachment | ||
Introduced as HB1718
Memo Updated: June 17, 2019 10:39 AM