By: Pickett H.B. No. 3142 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to convenience charges by utilities. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 17, Utilities Code is amended by adding Section 17.159. to read as follows: Sec. 17.159. CONVENIENCE CHARGES OR FEES. The municipal owned utility or a third party may not charge a fee for credit card, debit card, or automated bank draft payment conducted through the Internet for reoccurring charges. SECTION 2. Chapter 104, Utilities Code is amended by adding 104.302. to read as follows: SEC. 104.302. CONVENIENCE CHARGES OR FEES. The municipal owned utility or a third party may not charge a fee for credit card, debit card, or automated bank draft payment conducted through the Internet for reoccurring charges. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.