Texas House Bill HB4012

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to notice of a scheduled disconnection of water utility service.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4012 is set to strengthen tenant protections within the housing sector, particularly in multifamily residences that are master metered. By mandating notification procedures, local governments can better monitor utility practices and engage in conversations that may help residents facing disconnection. This legislative change acknowledges the roles of both utility providers and municipalities in safeguarding tenant rights amidst financial difficulties, thereby enhancing local governance capacities.

Summary

House Bill 4012 addresses the requirement of notifying municipalities about scheduled water utility disconnections for nonsubmetered master metered multifamily properties. This bill aims to ensure that before a water utility can disconnect service for nonpayment, it must provide written notice to the relevant municipality at least ten days prior to the disconnection date. This is particularly important for properties that do not have individual submetering, which include apartments and condominiums containing ten or more housing units. The notice must also be sent separately from regular utility bills, emphasizing the significance of the communication regarding service interruption.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill may center on the balance between utility company operations and tenant protections. Some advocates for utility companies may argue that the bill imposes additional burdens on their ability to manage service disconnections efficiently. Conversely, supporters may contend that prior notification is a necessary safeguard to prevent sudden and potentially harmful service interruptions, which could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. As such, the bill has the potential to foster discussions about equitable access to water utilities while navigating the logistical challenges faced by service providers.