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MarylandSB 05562026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Water Companies, Sewage Disposal Companies, and Water and Sewage Disposal Companies - Limited-Income Mechanisms

Sponsored By: Jason C. Gallion (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Utility RegulationCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Consumer ProtectionPrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexPublic Service CommissionReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)SewageStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; WaterWater -see also- Coastal Bays; Riv,Str,Lks; Wastewater; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Low-income help on water and sewer

The law adds water and sewer utilities to Maryland’s limited‑income help for utility bills. Beginning July 1, 2027, the Public Service Commission can require these companies to offer approved bill credits, lower rates, riders, or payment plans. Utilities must adopt a program if the Commission approves it. Eligible customers include households at or below 175% of the federal poverty level, or 200% if age 67 or older.

Rules to design and approve programs

Starting July 1, 2027, utilities must file limited‑income program proposals for Commission review, either as a separate case or within a base rate case with approval. Plans must explain the program, how costs are shared across rate classes, and include a timeline and review plan. The Commission weighs affordability, rate impacts, utility costs, arrears, disconnections, uncollectibles, and payment‑plan results. It also reviews portability of benefits within a service area, coordination with other aid, and a minimum level of support across the State.

Getting certified and stacking help

If a program requires it, the Office of Home Energy Programs certifies your income eligibility before you enroll. You can get this utility help and other aid at the same time, including state, utility, housing, or private programs. These rules take effect July 1, 2027.

Local electric utilities can offer help

Municipal electric utilities may offer a limited‑income program with Commission approval. This lets local utilities give bill credits, lower rates, or payment plans to eligible customers. This starts July 1, 2027.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jason C. Gallion

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 165 • No: 9

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 125 • No: 9 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 525

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (125-9)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/11/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/10/2026House

  6. Rereferred to Environment and Transportation

    4/10/2026House

  7. Referred Rules and Executive Nominations

    4/9/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (40-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {163524/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/8/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    4/8/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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