Missouri House Bill HB2843

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Establishes consumer protection provisions for customers of internet service providers for service outages

Impact

The proposed bill would directly impact state laws concerning telecommunications by delineating the responsibilities of internet service providers in relation to service outages. This change is significant as it aims to standardize how such outages are handled across the state, potentially leading to better service reliability and accountability. The shifts in regulation could also influence how internet service providers operate, possibly leading to more proactive measures to prevent outages and ensure prompt communication with customers during incidents.

Summary

House Bill 2843 aims to establish specific consumer protection provisions for customers of internet service providers, particularly in the event of service outages. The legislation is designed to give customers clearer rights and protections concerning the availability of internet services. It focuses on ensuring that internet service providers are held accountable for outages, thereby enhancing consumer confidence in their service providers and ensuring fair treatment during service disruptions.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 2843 is likely to center on the balance between consumer rights and the operational limitations placed on internet service providers. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for protecting consumers who rely heavily on internet services for daily activities and work. However, critics may raise concerns about the regulatory burden on providers and the potential impact on operational costs, which could lead to increased service prices for consumers. The discussions will likely revolve around both the necessary consumer protections and the implications for internet service competitiveness in the market.