West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB4807

Introduced
1/16/24  
Refer
1/16/24  
Refer
2/8/24  
Engrossed
2/16/24  
Refer
2/20/24  

Caption

Establishing limitations on billing practices of Internet or telecommunications providers that fail to provide subscribed customers service for five or more days

Impact

The bill introduces critical consumer protection measures that are intended to prevent telecommunications companies from charging for service periods during which they fail to provide service for an extended time. If enacted, this legislation will ensure that consumers are not financially penalized for service interruptions that are beyond their control. Additionally, it grants the Attorney General the authority to enforce compliance and impose civil penalties on providers who violate these provisions, thus giving teeth to the consumer protection measures established in this bill.

Summary

House Bill 4807 aims to amend the West Virginia Code by establishing limitations on the billing practices of Internet and telecommunications providers. Specifically, the bill requires that if a service provider fails to deliver service for five or more consecutive days, they must automatically credit the affected customer's account proportionally for the duration of the outage. This measure seeks to address the imbalance in the relationship between service providers and consumers, particularly highlighting the unfairness of billing customers for services they have not received during prolonged outages.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4807 appears to be largely positive, with widespread support observed during discussions and voting. With a unanimous passage in the House (96-0), there seems to be significant agreement among legislators regarding the necessity of protecting consumers' rights in the face of service provider failures. The bill addresses a common grievance among consumers, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and support for legislative actions aimed at improving service standards.

Contention

Despite the positive reception, certain points of contention may arise regarding potential impacts on service providers. While the bill has strong backing from consumer protection advocates and legislators, providers may argue that automatic credits for service outages could lead to financial burdens, particularly if outages are caused by external factors such as natural disasters. The challenge will be to balance consumer protection with the operational realities of Internet and telecommunications providers while navigating any potential pushback during implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB627

Establishing solar program for subscribers to gain credits against their utility bills

WV HB2159

Establishing a community solar program for subscribers to gain credits against their utility bills

WV HB2455

Defining a work day for school service personnel and removing a provision relating to employment of licensed practical nurses

WV SB536

Relating to distribution of certain taxes to benefit fire departments and emergency medical services providers

WV SB91

Relating to distribution of certain taxes and surcharges to benefit fire departments and emergency medical services providers

WV HB2085

Affordable broadband access for seniors, low income, and disabled persons due to fixed, minimum, or moderate incomes

WV HB3153

Relating to distribution of certain taxes and surcharges to benefit volunteer and part-volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services providers.

WV HB3539

Relating to increasing individual customer on-site generator limits

WV SB13

Establishing annual oversight fee for wells producing more than 10,000 cubic feet of gas per day

WV HB2611

To remove certain territorial limitations on a banking institution’s ability to offer messenger services or mobile banking facilities

Similar Bills

CA AB1699

Telecommunications: mobile internet service providers: first response agencies: emergencies.

CO SB183

Local Government Provision Of Communications Services

LA HB891

Provides relative to the procurement of internet services and wide area networks services and systems by state agencies (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

WV HB2502

Establishing limitations on billing practices of Internet or telecommunications providers that fail to provide subscribed customers service for five or more days

IL HB4990

STOP SPOOFING ACT

NJ AR73

Urges Congress to inform the public on telecommunications and Internet surveillance programs concerning national security.

CA SB716

Lifeline program: broadband internet access service.

WY SF0051

Wyoming telecommunications act revisions.