The bill amends existing laws regarding penalties for public utilities that violate provisions in Chapters 1 to 5 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 clarifies that every public utility that violates any of the provisions of the chapters will be subject to 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 modifies the language concerning compliance with orders from the division, removing references to "water suppliers" and emphasizing that public utilities and their officers, agents, or employees must adhere to these orders. Violations of these orders will incur a penalty of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each offense. 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:
601: 39-2-8, 39-4-22
601  SUB A: 39-2-8, 39-4-22