H5578

	2025 -- H 5578
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	LC002116
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	STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
	IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
	JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
	____________
	A N A C T
	RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- REGULATORY POWERS OF
	ADMINISTRATION

	Introduced By: Representatives Kazarian, Dawson, DeSimone, Voas, Alzate, Stewart, Edwards, Morales, Furtado, and Casimiro
	Date Introduced: February 26, 2025
	Referred To: House Corporations
	It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1	SECTION 1. Chapter 39-3 of the General Laws entitled "Regulatory Powers of
2	Administration" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
3	39-3-11.4. Internet access rates for seniors.
4	(a) For purposes of this section, "Internet" means collectively the myriad of computer and
5	telecommunications facilities, including equipment and operating software, that comprise the
6	interconnected worldwide network of networks that employ the transmission control
7	protocol/Internet protocol, or any predecessor or successor protocols, to such protocol, to
8	communicate information of all kinds by wire or radio.
9	(b) Effective January 1, 2026, providers of access to the Internet shall not increase rates for
10	persons sixty-two (62) years or older for connection services to the Internet.
11	SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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	LC002116
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	EXPLANATION
	BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
	OF
	A N A C T
	RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- REGULATORY POWERS OF
	ADMINISTRATION
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1	This act would prohibit public utilities from raising the cost for access to the Internet for
2	senior citizens.
3	This act would take effect upon passage.
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	LC002116
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	LC002116 - Page 2 of 2