Rhode Island House Bill H7612

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/26
• Refer: 2/11/26

Caption

Extends the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.

Impact

If enacted, H7612 would require public utilities to establish clear protocols for accepting certifications of serious illness from licensed physicians. The initial certification can be made verbally, but must be followed by written documentation within seven days. This change would formalize the process for securing nontermination of services for affected individuals, thereby enhancing their protections against service disruptions due to financial hardships linked to health conditions. Additionally, the bill ensures that utilities can request a review of the certifications, albeit under defined procedural guidelines.

Summary

House Bill 7612 aims to amend existing provisions concerning the termination of utility services for individuals who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears on their payments. The bill extends the forbearance period for service termination for customers possessing certifications of serious illness. This measure intends to safeguard vulnerable populations by ensuring they retain access to essential utility services during critical health challenges. By modifying the rules surrounding how these certifications are processed, the bill also seeks to expedite the protection of these customers from abrupt service disconnections.

Contention

Discussions around H7612 may include concerns about the balance between customer protections and the operational burdens it may impose on utility companies. Some legislators and stakeholders may argue that while the bill provides necessary protections for vulnerable groups, it could also result in additional costs and administrative challenges for utility providers who must evaluate and process illness certifications. Ensuring the effective implementation of this bill without creating undue hardship on companies is likely to be a central point of focus during debates.