Establishes civil penalties for a propane company's improper denial of propane service to consumers located in such propane company's designated service territory; provides for enforcement of such penalties by the department of public service and the office of the attorney general; directs that such civil penalties be deposited into the New York state general fund.
Impact
The introduction of A10780 stands to significantly impact existing regulations governing propane service providers in New York. By establishing clear guidelines and penalties for improper service denial, the bill aims to enhance consumer protections, ensuring that residents have equitable access to essential propane services. The enforcement mechanism outlined in the bill enables both the Department of Public Service and the Attorney General's office to investigate claims and impose penalties, thereby encouraging compliance among propane companies and safeguarding consumer rights.
Summary
Bill A10780 seeks to amend the Public Service Law by introducing civil penalties for propane companies that improperly deny service to consumers within their designated service territories. The bill defines 'improper denial of service' as a situation where a propane company refuses to provide service to a consumer residing in its service area, typically citing convenience or efficiency rather than actual service availability. The penalty for such violations can reach up to $100,000 per instance, with the Department of Public Service overseeing the enforcement and adjudication of complaints related to these issues. Any penalties collected are directed into the New York state general fund.
Contention
While the bill aims to protect consumers, it may face pushback from propane companies concerned about the financial implications and operational constraints associated with the new penalties. Critics may argue that imposing such civil penalties could lead to difficulties for businesses, especially small propane providers who may struggle to comply with the rigorous enforcement measures. The debate around this bill highlights a broader conversation about balancing consumer rights and business operations in the utility sector, as well as ensuring that service providers have adequate resources to meet regulatory standards without compromising their viability.
Relates to establishing civil penalties for failure of propane providers to deliver emergency service under automatic refill contracts, providing for enforcement by the department of public service and the office of the attorney general, and directing that all collected civil penalties be deposited into the New York state general fund.
Providing for eligibility for State funds; imposing duties on the Department of Human Services; providing for investigations by the Department of Human Services and the Office of Attorney General; and imposing penalties.
Allows the department of financial services to have additional oversight of banks and insurance companies that are not currently licensed in this state; provides penalties for violations.
Increases the penalties for internet-based food-ordering service providers failing to provide a link to the city of New York health department or local health department and the amount of such penalty depending on whether such inter-based food-ordering service is primarily a restaurant or just app-based.
Prohibits state and federal law enforcement acting within New York from covering their faces or otherwise concealing their identity, except in limited circumstances; grants the attorney general authority to enforce civil penalties.
Requires third-party food delivery services to provide the ability to include a gratuity at the same point in the online order process when the underlying order is placed; provides that customers shall not be required to pay a gratuity; provides that third-party delivery services shall not reduce the compensation of any worker as a result of gratuities; establishes penalties for violations of such provisions.
Requires third-party food delivery services and third-party grocery delivery services to provide the ability to include a gratuity at the same point in the online order process when the underlying order is placed; provides that customers shall not be required to pay a gratuity; provides that third-party food delivery services and third-party grocery delivery services shall not reduce the compensation of any worker as a result of gratuities; establishes penalties for violations of such provisions.
Requires the workers' compensation board and the department of labor to publish lists of debarred entities as open data; directs the office of general services to maintain and publish such lists on their website.