HB 2596
An Act providing for public utility credit reporting; and imposing duties on public utilities.
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This act, the Public Utility Credit Act, aims to regulate how public utilities report customer payments to credit reporting agencies. It defines ‘public utility’ broadly, including entities involved in gas, electricity, water, transportation, and communication services, with specific exceptions for smaller resorts and certain cooperative associations. Customers will have the option to opt-in or opt-out of having their utility payments reported to credit bureaus, and utilities cannot charge fees or set time limits for this choice. The act also clarifies how certain railroad authorities are treated for credit reporting purposes.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘public utility’ broadly, including various utility sectors.
- Allows customers to opt-in or opt-out of having utility payments reported to credit reporting agencies.
- Utilities cannot charge fees for opting into or out of credit reporting.
- Establishes a 45-day notification period for existing customers to exercise their opt-out choice.
- Specifies that the credit reporting option cannot be rescinded or set to expire.
- Clarifies the treatment of municipal authorities operating former Pennsylvania Railroad lines for credit reporting purposes.
- Details specific exemptions from the definition of ‘public utility’.
Who is affected
- Public Utility Customers
- Credit Reporting Agencies
- Pennsylvania Residents
- Public Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water, Transportation, Communication)
- Resort Owners
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Benjamin Sanchez
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