Tennessee Senate Bill SB1895

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 69, relative to termination of utilities.

Impact

The bill aims to modify the existing legal framework governing utilities by mandating that utilities follow a standardized procedure for notifying affected parties in the event of service termination. This could have significant implications for both utilities and consumers in Tennessee. By establishing a formal notification process, the bill could help lower the likelihood of disputes over utility terminations and ensure that all stakeholders are adequately informed before any service is cut off.

Summary

Senate Bill 1895 is an act that amends several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting the protocol surrounding the termination of utility services. The primary focus of the bill is to ensure that utility companies are required to provide written notice to both the customer of record and the property owner when utility services are to be terminated. This is designed to enhance transparency and communication between utility providers and consumers, ultimately protecting property owners and tenants from unexpected service disruptions.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB1895 highlight a few points of contention. Proponents of the bill argue that it will prevent service terminations from occurring without proper notice, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations who may depend on consistent access to utilities. However, some critics may raise concerns about the potential administrative burden this could impose on utility companies, especially in large metropolitan areas where the volume of service terminations could be substantial. Balancing these concerns will be essential in the legislative process.