Connecticut Senate Bill SB00398

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Consumer Charges For Paper Bills.

Impact

If enacted, SB 398 would significantly impact businesses operating within the state, particularly those that have habitually charged consumers for opting to receive paper bills. The bill aims to foster a more consumer-friendly environment by eliminating potential financial disincentives that might deter individuals from choosing paper billing. This change could benefit vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those without reliable internet access, as it reinforces their ability to receive billing information in a format they are comfortable with.

Summary

Senate Bill 398 aims to safeguard consumer rights by prohibiting businesses from charging fees for providing paper bills. The bill intends to ensure that consumers can choose their preferred billing method without incurring additional charges, thereby promoting transparency and accessibility in consumer transactions. This legislation reflects a growing trend of supporting consumer choice in the billing process, particularly pertinent as digital billing becomes more common.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB 398 may center on concerns regarding the potential financial implications for businesses that rely on ancillary fees to offset the costs of providing paper bills. Critics may argue that such a prohibition could lead to increased operational costs, which businesses might then try to pass on to consumers in other ways, potentially raising overall service charges. Supporters, however, contend that the need for equitable consumer treatment outweighs these concerns, emphasizing the importance of choice in how consumers receive their billing information.