FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 956

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT-JONES .

         Read 1^st time April 1, 2005 and copies ordered printed.

STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk

2112L.01I

AN ACT

To amend chapter 393, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to public utilities.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

            Section A. Chapter 393, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 393.152, to read as follows:

            393.152. 1. A public utility may require a deposit or other guarantee as a condition of new residential service only if:

            (1) The customer has in an unauthorized manner interfered with or diverted the service of a utility providing the same service situated on or about or delivered to the customer’s premises within the last five years; or

            (2) The customer is unable to establish an acceptable credit rating under standards contained in tariffs filed with and approved by the commission. The customer shall be deemed prima facie to have established an acceptable credit rating if the customer meets any of the following criteria:

            (a) Owns or is purchasing a home;

            (b) Is and has been regularly employed on a full-time basis for at least one year;

            (c) Has an adequate regular source of income; or

            (d) Can provide adequate credit references from a commercial credit source.

            2. A public utility may require a deposit or guarantee as a condition of continued residential service only if:

            (1) The service of the customer has been discontinued by the public utility for nonpayment of a delinquent account not in dispute; or

            (2) In an unauthorized manner, the customer interfered with or diverted the service of the utility situated on or about or delivered to the customer’s premises.