Relating to the suspension, termination, and reinstatement of certain services provided to military service members who are serving on active duty.
The bill amends the Business and Commerce Code by adding Chapter 606, which outlines the rights of military service members regarding the suspension and reinstatement of their services. It prevents service providers from charging penalties upon suspension or termination and mandates that services must be reinstated under the same terms upon the service member's return. This change addresses the unique circumstances that military personnel face and provides a structured approach to managing their service contracts.
Senate Bill 1739 aims to provide specific protections for military service members who are called to active duty. The legislation allows these individuals to suspend or terminate certain services—such as cable, health spa, telecommunications, and internet services—without incurring penalties or additional fees. This measure is designed to alleviate the financial and logistical burdens faced by service members during their deployment, ensuring that they do not remain liable for services they cannot use while in active duty.
Overall sentiment toward SB 1739 is supportive, particularly from veterans' advocates and military families who view it as a necessary reform to support active-duty personnel. However, some service providers may express concerns about the operational challenges posed by the bill, as it requires them to navigate different obligations regarding service contracts for military members. The dialogue surrounding the legislation highlights the importance of balancing civilian business practices with the unique needs of military service members.
Notable points of contention include how service providers will manage the logistics of documenting active duty status and the potential for dispute over what constitutes eligible services for suspension or termination. While the bill is largely viewed positively, concerns remain about ensuring compliance by service providers and the proper verification processes for military orders. The effective date for these provisions, set for September 1, 2017, means that service providers will need to adapt quickly to comply with the new law.