SB1724 Engrossed LRB101 07218 AXK 52256 b
1		AN ACT concerning education.
2		Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3		represented in the General Assembly:
4		Section 5. The University of Illinois Act is amended by
5		adding Section 105 as follows:
6		(110 ILCS 305/105 new)
7		Sec. 105. Water rates report.
8		(a) Subject to appropriation, no later than December 1,
9		2020, the Government Finance Research Center at the University
10		of Illinois at Chicago, in coordination with an
11		intergovernmental advisory committee, must issue a report
12		evaluating the setting of water rates throughout the Lake
13		Michigan service area of northeastern Illinois and, no later
14		than December 1, 2021, for the remainder of Illinois. The
15		report must provide recommendations for policy and regulatory
16		needs at the State and local level based on its findings. The
17		report shall, at a minimum, address all of the following areas:
18		(1) The components of a water bill.
19		(2) Reasons for increases in water rates.
20		(3) The definition of affordability throughout the
21		State and any variances to that definition.
22		(4) Evidence of rate-setting that utilizes
23		inappropriate practices.

SB1724 Engrossed - 2 - LRB101 07218 AXK 52256 b
1		(5) The extent to which State or local policies drive
2		cost increases or variations in rate-settings.
3		(6) Challenges within economically disadvantaged
4		communities in setting water rates.
5		(7) Opportunities for increased intergovernmental
6		coordination for setting equitable water rates.
7		(b) In developing the report under this Section, the
8		Government Finance Research Center shall form an advisory
9		committee, which shall be composed of all of the following
10		members:
11		(1) The Director of the Environmental Protection
12		Agency, or his or her designee.
13		(2) The Director of Natural Resources, or his or her
14		designee.
15		(3) The Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity,
16		or his or her designee.
17		(4) The Attorney General, or his or her designee.
18		(5) At least 2 members who are representatives of
19		private water utilities operating in Illinois, appointed
20		by the Director of Public Health.
21		(6) At least 4 members who are representatives of
22		municipal water utilities, appointed by the Director of
23		Public Health.
24		(7) One member who is a representative of an
25		environmental justice advocacy organization, appointed by
26		the Director of Public Health.

SB1724 Engrossed - 3 - LRB101 07218 AXK 52256 b
1		(8) One member who is a representative of a consumer
2		advocacy organization, appointed by the Director of Public
3		Health.
4		(9) One member who is a representative of an
5		environmental planning organization that serves
6		northeastern Illinois, appointed by the Director of Public
7		Health.
8		(10) The Director of the Illinois State Water Survey,
9		or his or her designee.
10		(11) The Chairperson of the Illinois Commerce
11		Commission, or his or her designee.
12		(c) After all members are appointed, the committee shall
13		hold its first meeting at the call of the Director of the
14		Government Finance Research Center, at which meeting the
15		members shall select a chairperson from among themselves. After
16		its first meeting, the committee shall meet at the call of the
17		chairperson. Members of the committee shall serve without
18		compensation but may be reimbursed for their reasonable and
19		necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties. The
20		Department of Public Health shall provide administrative and
21		other support to the committee.
22		(d) No later than 60 days after the effective date of this
23		amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly, the Department of
24		Public Health must provide an opportunity for public comment on
25		the questions to be addressed in the report, the metrics to be
26		used, and the recommendations that need to be issued.

SB1724 Engrossed - 4 - LRB101 07218 AXK 52256 b
1		(e) This Section is repealed on January 1, 2022.
2		Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
3		becoming law.