ASSEMBLY CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND REGULATED PROFESSIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 431

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: SEPTEMBER 19, 1996

      The Assembly Consumer Affairs and Regulated Professions Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 431.

      This bill prohibits water companies and authorities in the State from charging a fee for standby water service to property owners whose buildings are equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. The bill permits water companies to charge a property owner for the actual costs of the water main connection necessary for the installation of the sprinkler system but does not permit them to charge any other fees in excess of the cost of water actually used for the sprinkler system.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 1996 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.