The bill amends existing laws regarding penalties for public utilities that violate provisions in the relevant chapters of the General Laws. It introduces new legal language to establish a penalty structure, increasing the maximum fine for violations from one thousand dollars ($1,000) to five thousand dollars ($5,000). The bill specifies that every public utility that violates any of the provisions will incur a penalty of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) and not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each offense.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the act, omission, or failure of any officer, agent, or other person acting for or employed by any public utility will be considered a violation of the provisions. It removes references to "water suppliers" and emphasizes that public utilities and their officers, agents, or employees must comply with orders from the division. Violations of these orders will also incur a penalty of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each offense, and individuals found guilty of aiding or abetting violations will face increased fines of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000). The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5484: 39-2-8, 39-4-22
5484  SUB A: 39-2-8, 39-4-22