MUNI WATER/WASTEWATER FUNDING

Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Creates the Municipal Water and Wastewater Funding Study Committee. Provides that the Committee shall study and make recommendations concerning any needed modifications to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Pollution Control Board regulations and policies as they relate to municipal water and wastewater funding to ensure that the State's revolving loan fund programs account for and prioritize the following, to the fullest extent allowed by federal law: (1) a community shall not be deemed ineligible for disadvantaged community status based on size or service area of any size, with regard to special rates, loan terms, and eligibility for loan or grant funds; (2) in determining whether a community is disadvantaged, consideration should be given to impacts of funding on water and wastewater expenses for low-income populations; (3) in determining whether a community is eligible for funds and special rates or loan terms, environmental justice concepts should be considered; (4) in determining how funding is allocated, a community facing water supply shortages should be considered a high priority based on urgency of need; (5) the funding programs should promote formation and implementation of regional water partnerships; and (6) targeted funding should be provided for addressing emerging contaminants, including PFAS. Includes provisions concerning Committee membership and a report of the Committee's findings due no later than January 31, 2023. Repeals the provisions on January 1, 2024. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Changes the membership of the Committee. Removes a sentence requiring the members to elect from their number a chair and such other officers as they may choose. Adds that the Committee's studies and recommendations concerning any needed modifications to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Pollution Control Board regulations and policies as they relate to municipal water and wastewater funding to ensure that the State's revolving loan fund programs also accounts for and prioritize the following principles: (i) the role that the State revolving fund programs play for small communities in determining eligibility for assistance; and (ii) changes to the programs must be fully consistent with federal law and must not adversely affect any community's eligibility for loans under federal law. Makes other changes.