Connecticut House Bill HB06634

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/19
• Refer: 1/29/19

Caption

An Act Requiring The Office Of Consumer Counsel To Study Capping Cable Prices For Senior Citizens.

Impact

If passed, the findings from the study could lead to concrete legislative measures that would enforce price caps on cable services for seniors, providing them with increased financial protection against rising costs. By exploring this issue, the bill aims to potentially lead to significant changes in consumer rights related to cable pricing, thereby improving the economic well-being of senior citizens in the state.

Summary

House Bill 06634 mandates the Office of Consumer Counsel to conduct a study on the feasibility of instituting a price cap on cable services specifically for senior citizens. The primary objective of this bill is to assess whether it is viable to implement price controls that would help reduce cable expenses for elderly residents, thereby making essential services more affordable for this demographic. The bill addresses the challenges faced by senior citizens in managing their expenses, particularly in the context of increasing cable prices.

Contention

While the bill appears to have altruistic intentions by targeting a vulnerable portion of the population, there could be concerns regarding its implications for cable providers and the market dynamics within the telecommunications sector. Some industry stakeholders may worry that capping prices could deter investment and innovation within the cable market, potentially leading to a decrease in service quality or availability. This tension between consumer protection and market freedom may become a point of contention during legislative discussions.