2014 -- H 7711

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LC004803

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE TO

PERSONS WHO ARE DISABLED AND SERIOUSLY ILL

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Slater, Diaz, Carnevale, Williams, and Almeida

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2014

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 39-1.1-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-1.1 entitled

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"Termination of service to persons who are disabled, seriously ill or in arrears of payment" is

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hereby amended to read as follows:

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     39-1.1-4. Effect on existing rules. -- Nothing in this chapter is intended to modify any

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existing or proposed rules and regulations dealing with utility termination during winter months

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as defined by the commission. No gas or electric company shall terminate gas or electric service

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in any residence where the combined household income is at or below the income eligibility

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guideline that applies to the "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program," or its successor,

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between the dates of November 1 and May 1. Nothing in this chapter is intended to modify any

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existing or proposed rules and regulations dealing with termination of telephone service.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC004803

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TERMINATION OF SERVICE TO

PERSONS WHO ARE DISABLED AND SERIOUSLY ILL

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     This act would prevent termination of gas or electric service in any residence where the

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income is at or below eligibility guideline from November 1 to May 1.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004803

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