BILL NUMBER: S1848
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring corpo-
rations and municipalities to notify property owners prior to beginning
certain services
 
PURPOSE::
Requires corporations and municipalities to notify property owners prior
to beginning certain services
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::
Section 1 amends the public service law to require notification to be
given to property owners when said service may interfere with their
ability to use, or access such property owner's property or utilities.
The notice must include, but not be limited to information about the
service being performed and the expected duration of the service, and
must provide the direct contact of any subcontractor used for such
services. The notice must be provided no more than thirty days, and no
less than five days before the start of the service. The provisions of
this section will not apply in the case of a natural or man-made disas-
ter or state of emergency, or where the need to provide notice would
prevent the timely installation, restoration or repair of a utility
customer's service.
Section 2 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION::
The process of utility maintenance can place a large burden on property
owners who rely on utilities such as water and electricity to cook, heat
their homes, or work remotely. Utility providers often use subcontrac-
tors, which leaves residents without access to contact information to
raise concerns or ask questions about the work that may be affecting
their neighborhoods. Furthermore, large equipment such as service vehi-
cles may prevent a person from accessing or utilizing part of their
property.
By requiring notice to be given to property owners prior to the start of
the utility maintenance and ensuring transparency for those who are
doing the work, property owners will be best informed to plan their
schedules around potential disruptions.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::
2023-2024: S5918C/A7515 - Passed Senate/Third Reading
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS::
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.