Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1441 - Providing Useful Relief for Enhanced Water Act; PURE Water Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 1441, the PURE Water Act, proposes a tax credit for the purchase and installation of home water filtration systems. The credit would cover 20% of qualified primary residence filtration expenditures and 10% of qualified non-primary residence filtration expenditures, capped at $2,500 annually. The bill aims to incentivize the removal of lead, PFAS, and PFOAS from drinking water.

Expected Effects

If enacted, this bill would reduce the tax burden for individuals who invest in eligible water filtration systems. This could lead to improved water quality in homes and reduced exposure to harmful contaminants. The tax credit may also stimulate demand for water filtration systems.

Potential Benefits

  • Reduced exposure to lead, PFAS, and PFOAS in drinking water.
  • Financial relief for homeowners through tax credits.
  • Potential for improved public health outcomes.
  • Increased demand for water filtration systems, possibly stimulating the economy.
  • Encourages investment in home water quality improvements.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The tax credit primarily benefits those who can afford to purchase and install water filtration systems, potentially excluding lower-income households.
  • The $2,500 cap may not fully cover the costs for some systems, especially for larger households or complex installations.
  • Potential for fraudulent claims of tax credits.
  • The definition of 'qualified water filter' may need further refinement to ensure effectiveness.
  • Increased complexity in tax preparation for individuals claiming the credit.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to improve public health by incentivizing cleaner drinking water. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The bill falls under this power as it uses the tax code to achieve a public health goal.

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).