BILL NUMBER: S7109
SPONSOR: WEBB
 
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:
To require corporations and municipalities to notify homeowners prior to
beginning certain services.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Establishes that an entity providing utility services must
provide notification to homeowners prior to any scheduled services that
may interfere with a property owner's ability to enjoy, use, or access
their property. This section also provides that the notification must
include: the service to be performed, expected duration of service,
location of service, road closure/detour, necessary equipment, and
contact information for those performing the service. Notification is
required to be given no more than 30 days and no less than five days in
advance. The entity providing utility services must provide notification
in writing, electronically when appropriate, and use other reasonable
efforts to communicate with the property owner. An exception to the
provisions of this act is provided in cases of natural or man-made
disaster or a state of emergency.
Section 2. Establishes an effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently there is no requirement for certain utility providers nor
municipalities to notify property owner's of scheduled services which
may result in interference with the property. For example, a utility
that has scheduled services with a homeowner for a non-emergency service
like conversion to natural gas is currently not under any obligation to
inform a neighbor whose property would be excavated to access the gas
line to perform said work.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022: S 6524 Passed Senate
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 90 days after it shall have become law.