Permits certain local units and authorities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees and other charges for low-income persons.*

New Jersey's S 286 allows counties and municipalities to create reduced water, sewer, and stormwater fees for low-income households. It permits local sewerage authorities and municipal water systems to lower charges for residents whose household income is at or below a threshold based on federal poverty guidelines, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria like residing in the dwelling unit and not receiving similar assistance elsewhere. Authorities must establish clear application processes requiring income documentation and advertise the program to residents. The bill requires that local governments have sufficient budget flexibility to cover revenue losses from these reductions without raising rates for other customers.