Human services: services or financial assistance; low-income water residential affordability program task force; create. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 14q. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0248'25, SB 0250'25, SB 0252'25

SB 249 creates a task force to develop a low-income water bill assistance program for Michigan residents. The task force, appointed by the Department of Human Services within 30 days, must include representatives from small/large water providers, consumer advocacy groups, community agencies, local governments, and environmental organizations. Over nine months, the task force will advise on program best practices, create implementation guidance, develop outreach materials, seek additional funding, and recommend criteria for providers to run their own affordability programs. This bill does not directly provide assistance but establishes the framework for future program development, pending passage of related bills (SB 248, 250, 252).