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Emergency Loans for Essential Services: Water, Energy, and Internet Access

This act establishes emergency loan programs for water, wastewater, electric, natural gas, propane, and internet service providers. The goal is to ensure continuous access to these essential services for citizens who faced payment difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Loans can be forgiven, which also means consumer debts for these services will be cancelled, provided the service providers meet specific conditions.
Key points
Water, wastewater, energy, and internet providers can receive loans to maintain services for residents who couldn't pay bills during the pandemic.
If providers meet conditions, loans can be forgiven, leading to cancellation of residents' outstanding debts for these services.
Providers receiving loans cannot charge interest, late fees, or disconnect services for non-payment during the emergency period.
The act allocates a total of $39.5 billion for these support programs.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_4979
Sponsor: Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-13]
Process start date: 2021-08-06
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Maintaining Access to Essential Services Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_4979.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-08-06.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Water, wastewater, energy, and internet providers can receive loans to maintain services for residents who couldn't pay bills during the pandemic.
  • If providers meet conditions, loans can be forgiven, leading to cancellation of residents' outstanding debts for these services.
  • Providers receiving loans cannot charge interest, late fees, or disconnect services for non-payment during the emergency period.
  • The act allocates a total of $39.5 billion for these support programs.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-13].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in House

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-02.

CATEGORIES

Economy Public Investments