The bill amends Section 39-1.1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-1.1, which deals with the termination of utility services to persons who are elderly, disabled, or seriously ill. The amendment includes new provisions for determining which individuals are subject to nontermination protections. It specifies that a licensed physician can certify a person as seriously ill, initially by telephone, but must provide written certification within seven days. The utility company must acknowledge receipt of this certification and inform the customer of the termination date, which is now set as the last day of the period specified by the physician for the duration of the illness. If the physician does not specify the duration or if it is not readily ascertainable, the termination date must be at least three months from the receipt of the written certification. Customers have the option to arrange payment, request a hearing, or enroll in a payment plan to avoid termination.

The bill also allows for the continuation of the initial exemption if the illness exceeds the certified duration, subject to review and regulations by the commission. Utilities must honor a physician's certification but can seek a review of its validity. If a certification is rejected, the utility must inform the customer of the reasons and their right to have the division review the utility's decision. Importantly, nontermination does not relieve the customer of liability for incurred utility services. The act would take effect upon passage and aims to extend forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications, amending various related provisions.

Statutes affected:
86: 39-1.1-2