84R10861 JXC-D
By: Naishtat H.B. No. 3663
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the temporary continuation of utility service for real
property of a decedent.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 152, Estates Code, is amended by adding
Subchapter D to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER D. TEMPORARY CONTINUATION OF UTILITY SERVICE
Sec. 152.151. TEMPORARY CONTINUATION OF UTILITY SERVICE.
(a) A decedent's next of kin may submit to an entity that provides
or provided utility service to real property of the decedent a
request that the entity continue the service until the earlier of:
(1) the 90th day after the date the entity receives the
request;
(2) the 14th day after the date a personal
representative of the decedent's estate qualifies; or
(3) the date the next of kin requests that the service
be discontinued.
(b) An entity that receives a request described by
Subsection (a):
(1) is not required to comply with the request unless
the decedent's next of kin submits with the request an electronic or
paper copy of the decedent's death certificate; and
(2) shall suspend imposition and collection of
penalties or fees associated with nonpayment during the period the
entity provides the requested service.
(c) Next of kin who request service under this section are
not personally liable for costs associated with continuing the
service as described by this section. Costs associated with
service requested under this section are a liability of the
decedent's estate.
(d) As soon as possible after the date a personal
representative of the decedent's estate qualifies, the next of kin
who requested service under this section shall notify the entity of
that fact.
SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to
utility service of a decedent who dies on or after the effective
date of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.