DRINKING WATER OPERATOR FEE SUNSET                                                      H.B. 4541:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4541 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Mary Whiteford

House Committee:  Appropriations

Senate Committee:  Appropriations

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to delay the sunset on the Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ's) ability to conduct certification and training programs for operators of public drinking water systems, and to charge fees for participation in those programs. The bill would delay the sunset from October 1, 2017, to October 1, 2021. The fees associated with the programs range from $45 to $70 depending on the particular certification.

MCL 325.1009                                                                                                         

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have a positive fiscal impact on the Department of Environmental Quality as it would maintain the DEQ's ability to charge fees that generate a total of about $220,000 each year, which is deposited in the Operator Training and Certification Fund. The fees are used to offset the costs associated with operating drinking water training and certification programs.

The bill would have no fiscal impact on local units of government.

Date Completed:  6-19-17                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Josh Sefton

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.