Prohibits water companies from assessing more than one charge per fire hydrant to fire departments, fire districts, or volunteer fire companies for use of fire hydrants.
Impact
The legislation impacts the existing statutes that govern how public utilities can charge for services. By amending R.S.48:19-18, the bill restricts the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities from approving tariffs that include excess charges for fire hydrant use. This is significant for local governments and volunteer organizations that operate under limited budgets and may struggle with additional costs associated with accessing water resources needed for emergency response.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1152 aims to regulate the charges assessed by water companies to fire departments, fire districts, and volunteer fire companies for the use of fire hydrants. Specifically, the bill prohibits any water company from imposing more than one charge or fee per fire hydrant on periodic bills directed to these entities. This move is designed to alleviate financial burdens on emergency services that rely on these hydrants for firefighting operations, ensuring they are not subjected to multiple fees for a single service resource.
Contention
Debates around the bill may arise regarding the financial implications for water companies. Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary step to support the vital functions of fire departments and ensure that communities are adequately protected in emergencies. However, critics could claim that restricting fees could affect the revenue streams of water companies and possibly lead to higher costs for residential customers in other areas to compensate for the lost income. Ensuring that the balance between financial sustainability for water companies and adequate funding for emergency services is maintained can be a critical discussion point among lawmakers.
Carry Over
Prohibits water companies from assessing more than one charge per fire hydrant to fire departments, fire districts, or volunteer fire companies for use of fire hydrants.
Prohibits water companies from assessing more than one charge per fire hydrant to fire departments, fire districts, or volunteer fire companies for use of fire hydrants.
Requires certain water companies to provide representative of fire department, fire district, or volunteer fire company access to fire hydrants for water flow rate testing purposes.
Relates to the Volunteer and Exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association of Albertson; changes "firemen" to "firefighters"; relates to the management and control as well as the usage of moneys received from foreign fire insurance companies by such association.