H.R.3126 - Promoting Submetering for Affordable Housing Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3126, the "Promoting Submetering for Affordable Housing Act," aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to incentivize the use of water submetering in low-income housing projects. The bill proposes to increase the low-income housing credit for projects that implement water submetering systems, allowing separate billing for each unit. This incentive is designed to encourage water conservation and promote tenant awareness of their water usage.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely lead to increased adoption of water submetering in new and existing affordable housing developments. This could result in reduced water consumption and more equitable billing practices for tenants. It may also incentivize landlords to invest in water-efficient technologies and address leaks more promptly.
Potential Benefits
- Encourages water conservation by making tenants directly responsible for their water usage.
- Provides more accurate and fair billing for water consumption in multi-unit housing.
- May lead to reduced utility costs for tenants who conserve water.
- Could incentivize landlords to invest in water-efficient appliances and plumbing.
- Potentially reduces overall water demand, benefiting communities facing water scarcity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden for landlords to manage submetering and billing.
- Potential for disputes between landlords and tenants regarding meter readings and billing accuracy.
- Upfront costs for installing submetering systems, although partially offset by tax credits.
- Possible privacy concerns related to monitoring individual water usage.
- May disproportionately affect low-income tenants with higher water needs (e.g., larger families).
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to promote efficient resource management and potentially lower costs for low-income individuals. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This bill uses the tax code to incentivize certain behaviors, which falls under this power. There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional amendments or limitations on federal power.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).