Texas House Bill HB3251

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a requirement that electric utilities and natural gas utilities notify the owner and manager of a multiunit residential property on the disconnection of service of a resident.

Impact

The legislation is expected to have significant implications for property management practices across Texas. By enforcing a timely notification protocol, HB3251 aims to ensure that property owners are aware of service disconnections, empowering them to take necessary actions to mitigate risk. This approach could potentially lead to quicker responses to dangerous situations, enhancing the overall safety of residents in multiunit dwellings.

Summary

House Bill 3251 mandates that electric and natural gas utilities notify the owner and manager of multiunit residential properties when a resident's utility service is disconnected. This requirement aims to enhance safety by keeping property owners informed, potentially preventing situations that could lead to fire hazards caused by disconnected services. By implementing this notification system, the bill seeks to foster greater awareness and responsibility among property management in regard to the safety of their tenants.

Contention

One notable point of contention concerning HB3251 revolves around the balance between utility companies' operational practices and the responsibilities of property owners. Some stakeholders might argue that this bill creates additional administrative burdens for utility companies and may lead to increased costs. Conversely, proponents believe that the safety benefits far outweigh the administrative implications, arguing that proactive measures are essential in protecting vulnerable tenants in multiunit housing.