HB555 Alabama 2019 Session

Under current law, utilities operating in the state are authorized to require a cash deposit from a prospective customer for the purpose of guaranteeing final payment, require that deposit prior to beginning service or coincident with the first monthly bill, and withhold or discontinue utility services if a deposit is not made at the time specified by the utility

This bill would establish the State of Alabama as a guarantor of utility deposits for Alabama residents who recently graduated from a postsecondary institution and who are establishing a new residence for the purpose of being nearer to their employer

This bill would authorize the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to adopt rules to implement this act, in consultation with the Alabama Department of Commerce

Relating to public utilities; to provide a mechanism for the State of Alabama to guarantee utility deposits for Alabama residents who recently completed postsecondary education within a specified period of time following their graduation date; to provide a mechanism for the state to make payment to utilities for program participants who default on their utility bills; and to authorize the state to seek collections from program recipients who default on their financial obligations to utility companies by any means available, including the withholding of income tax refunds, garnishment of wages, the placement of liens on property, or the use of debt collection agencies.