An Act Prohibiting Telecommunications Companies From Charging Customers To Receive Paper Bills.
Summary
SB 307 would amend Title 16 of the Connecticut General Statutes to prohibit telecommunications service providers from charging customers a fee if they choose to receive their bills in paper form. The bill applies broadly to providers of telephone, internet, community antenna television, and video services, and it is framed as a consumer protection measure ensuring that paper billing remains available without an added charge.
In practical terms, the bill would prevent providers from imposing a paper-bill surcharge on customers who do not want electronic billing. It does not appear to require providers to offer paper bills for free in any particular format beyond banning the fee, but it would directly affect billing practices for telecom, internet, and cable companies operating in the state.
Impact
The bill would change state law in Title 16 by adding a restriction on telecommunications service providers’ billing practices, specifically barring fees for paper statements. Affected parties would include telephone, internet, cable, and video service providers, as well as customers who prefer or require paper billing. The measure would likely reduce or eliminate an existing revenue source for providers that charge for mailed invoices and would preserve a paper-billing option for consumers without extra cost.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is available for SB 307, so there is no documented debate or recorded sentiment in the provided materials. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears consumer-friendly and aimed at protecting access to paper billing, with an emphasis on preventing added charges for customers who are not using electronic billing.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is between consumer advocates and telecommunications providers. Supporters would likely view the bill as protecting customers who prefer paper bills, including older residents or those without reliable internet access, while providers may object that paper billing creates administrative and postage costs that they currently recover through fees. Because no hearing transcript or vote history is provided, no specific legislator or stakeholder positions are documented here.