2013 -- S 0721

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LC01481

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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A N A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

     Introduced By: Senator William A. Walaska

     Date Introduced: March 13, 2013

     Referred To: Senate Commerce

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 39-3 of the General Laws entitled "Regulatory Powers of

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Administration" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     39-3-45. Confidentiality of records. -- (a) Any records of the division or commission

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pertaining to a customer of a public utility shall be confidential; provided, however, that customer

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records determined to be relevant and admissible during a proceeding before the commission or

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division and which are disclosed during that proceeding shall be deemed public.

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     (b) The administrator of the division, or his/her designee, may disclose pertinent

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customer information to other state departments, public or private agencies, or medical personnel

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when it is deemed appropriate by the administrator in order to safeguard the health and welfare of

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the customer and/or the customer's family members.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC01481

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

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     This act would authorize the administrator of the division to seek the assistance of other

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state departments, public or private agencies, or medical personnel in the interest of safeguarding

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the health and welfare of a utility customer whose utility services are slated for termination.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC01481

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