An Act To Prohibit a Public Utility from Terminating or Disconnecting Service to a Public Safety Facility without Advance Notice and Approval
Maine Legislature, Session 130, LD 1847
Committee Amendment CA_B_H862 (House)
Amends: 35-A MRSA §704

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "b" to H.P. 1368, L.D. 1847, "An Act To Prohibit a 
Public Utility from Terminating or Disconnecting Service to a Public Safety Facility 
without Advance Notice and Approval" 
Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following: 
'An Act Regarding a Public Utility's Termination or Disconnection of Service to a 
Public Safety Facility without Advance Notice and Approval' 
Amend the bill by inserting after the title and before the enacting clause the following: 
'Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves. of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, continuous utility services are essential to the operation of Maine's public 
safety facilities; and 
Whereas, the purpose of this legislation is to ensure that the termination or 
disconnection of a public safety facility's utility service does not pose a risk to public 
safety; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore,' 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and inserting the 
following: 
'Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §704, sub-§2-A is enacted to read: 
2-A. Public safety facility customers. A public utility may terminate or disconnect 
utility services for a public safety facility. as defined in Title 30-A, section 5222, subsection 
14-A, for nonpayment of rates, fees or charges if the termination or disconnection is in 
accordance with rules adopted by the commission. The commission shall adopt rules 
governing the termination or disconnection of utility services for a public safety facility for 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
ROS 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT '',D" to H.P. 1368, L.D. 1847 
nonpayment ofrates, fees or charges. The rules must establish a process for termination or 
disconnection reasonably designed to ensure adequate public safety. Rules adopted 
pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5. chapter 375. 
subchapter 2-A.' 
Amend the bill by adding before the summary the following: 
'Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.' 
Amend the bill by relettering or renumbering any nonconsecutive Part letter or section 
number to read consecutively. 
SUMMARY 
This amendment replaces the bill. 
The amendment requires the Public Utilities 
Commission to engage in rulemaking regarding terminations or disconnections of utility 
services for public safety facilities. The commission's rules must establish a process 
designed to ensure adequate public safety. The amendment adds an emergency preamble 
and clause. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUmED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
( 
Approved: 02/28/22 feaC!-
LD 1847 
LR2122(03) 
An Act To Prohibit a Public Utility from Terminating or Disconnecting Service to a Public Safety 
Facility without Advance Notice and Approval 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment '{){JI,,, f;(p z_) 
Committee: Energy, Utilities and Technology 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds 
Any additional costs to the Public Utilities Commission due to required rulemaking regarding terminations or 
disconnections of public safety facilities are anticipated to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted 
resources. 
LR2122(03) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1