Connecticut House Bill HB05280

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/15
• Refer: 1/13/15

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Public Service Company Credit Card Processing Fees.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05280 would change Title 16 of the general statutes, effectively disallowing public service companies from charging their customers credit card processing fees. This would be a notable shift in the regulatory landscape governing public utilities, signaling a move towards improved consumer protection and potentially fostering greater competition among service providers. The elimination of these fees could lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, as residents would no longer incur extra charges for using credit cards, which is a common payment method.

Summary

House Bill 05280 is a legislative proposal aimed at prohibiting public service companies from imposing credit card processing fees on their customers. This bill, introduced by Representative Dillon, is intended to alleviate an additional financial burden on consumers who pay their utility bills via credit card. The bill addresses a growing concern over the practice of charging processing fees, which can add up over time and disproportionately affect certain customer demographics. By eliminating these fees, the law seeks to promote consumer-friendly practices within the public services sector.

Contention

The bill may face contention from public service companies that argue the processing fees are necessary to cover the costs associated with credit card transactions. Opponents of the bill within the industry may express concerns about the financial implications of enforcing such prohibitions, emphasizing that removing fees could impact their revenue streams. Proponents of the bill will likely emphasize the importance of consumer rights and the need to protect households from unnecessary expenses, framing the debate around fairness in billing practices and the need to put customers first in utility operations.