This bill, HB 1262-FN, amends existing laws concerning contracts for home heating oil, kerosene, and propane to enhance consumer protections and clarify dealer responsibilities. Key provisions include the requirement for written contracts that disclose essential terms such as dealer contact information, total payment amounts, delivery obligations, and associated fees. It mandates that prepaid contracts cannot be advertised outside a specified timeframe and requires dealers to offer reimbursement options for undelivered fuel. Additionally, the bill introduces security requirements for dealers entering prepaid contracts, necessitating that they commit to purchasing a significant portion of the fuel they are contracted to deliver through various means, such as futures contracts or surety bonds. Dealers must also register their intent to offer prepaid contracts annually and submit a compliance report.

Further, the bill stipulates that dealers must provide clear disclosures of prices, fees, and terms of service before commencing service, with any fee changes requiring written notification to consumers. It prohibits dealers from charging rental fees for tanks owned by others and mandates that they refund consumers for remaining propane within specified timeframes. The bill expands the definition of unlawful acts to include failing to deliver home heating fuel as per prepaid contracts or automatic delivery agreements, classifying violations as unfair or deceptive acts under RSA 358-A. The act will take effect 60 days after passage, with an indeterminable fiscal impact on state and local expenditures due to potential changes in judicial and correctional costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 339:79
As Amended by the House: 339:79
HB1262 text: 339:79