Chapter 333

2009 -- S 0953

Enacted 11/13/09

A N A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS - HOME PROPANE GAS SALES

Introduced By: Senators P Fogarty, and Gallo

Date Introduced: May 28, 2009

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Title 5 of the General Laws entitled "BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS"

is hereby amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 83

PROPANE GAS SALES

5-83-1. Requirements for guaranteed price plans, price protection and prepaid

contracts. – (a) A contract for the retail sale of propane gas that offers a guaranteed price plan,

including a ceiling price cap plan contract and any other similar plan, must be disclosed in a way

to clearly define the terms and conditions of the price plan. The disclosure of terms and

conditions must be in plain language, must immediately follow the language concerning the price

or service that could be affected and must be, if initiated verbally, confirmed in writing no more

than fourteen (14) days from the initiation date using no less than twelve (12) point boldface type

of uniform font. The disclosure of terms and conditions, must include, but not be limited to, any

additional fees or costs for securing the guaranteed price, as well as, any early termination fees.

(b) A solicitation for the retail sale of propane gas that offers a guaranteed price plan,

including a ceiling price cap plan and any other similar plan, must be confirmed in writing no

more than fourteen (14) days from the solicitation date, and the terms and conditions of that offer

must be disclosed in plain language.

(c) A propane gas dealer that pays for media or print advertising of a price shall offer said

price for a period of no less than twenty-four (24) hours or until the next advertised price is so

publicized, whichever occurs first.

(d) No prepaid propane gas contract shall require any consumer commitment to purchase

propane gas pursuant to the terms of such contract for a period of more than twelve (12) months.

(e) Any violation of this chapter shall render the terms and conditions of the

aforementioned contract null and void.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC02675

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