Chapter 297

2007 -- H 5562

Enacted 07/06/07

A N A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

Introduced By: Representatives Naughton, Lewiss, Slater, Handy, and Dennigan

Date Introduced: February 28, 2007

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 39-1.1 of the General Laws entitled "Termination of Service to

Persons Who Are Disabled and Seriously Ill" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following

section:

39-1.1-2.1. Termination of service in residence where infant domiciled. – No gas or

electric company shall terminate gas or electric service in any residence in which there is

domiciled a person under the age of twelve (12) months and the customer's service has not been

previously shut off for nonpayment before the birth of the child; provided, that the customer

cannot afford to pay any overdue bill because of financial hardship. The commission shall

promulgate such rules and regulations consistent with this section as it deems reasonable and

necessary to implement the provisions of this section. Said rules shall, as a minimum, require

certification of such infancy by birth certificate or other verifiable certification and that such

certification of infancy shall remain in effect without renewal until the infant reaches the age of

twelve (12) months.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC02241

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