2026 -- S 2429

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LC004968

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND

CARRIERS

     Introduced By: Senators Ciccone, Felag, Burke, and Dimitri

     Date Introduced: February 06, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Commerce

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 39-2 of the General Laws entitled "Duties of Utilities and Carriers"

is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     39-2-29. Duty to maintain customer service operations within the state.

     Every public utility operated and licensed to provide services to the residents and

businesses within the state under chapter 1 of title 39, shall maintain a customer service operation

physically located within the state which is reasonably staffed to meet the expectations of the

public. The customer service operation shall be available to answer customer inquiries, meet with

customers, accept payment of bills, and perform any other services that the public utilities

commission may direct from time to time.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC004968

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND

CARRIERS

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     This act would require all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the

state to perform services such as addressing customer inquiries and accepting bill payments.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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