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Commerce committee advances bill barring extra billing cycle when service cancellation occurs midperiod
Summary
House Bill 141 would prohibit providers from charging an additional billing cycle when a consumer cancels service within the first half of a billing period; the committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to Calendar and Rules.
House Bill 141, sponsored by Representative Hale, would prohibit telephone, cable, internet and broadband providers from charging customers for an additional billing cycle if cancellation occurs within the first half of the billing period.
The sponsor told the committee the bill ensures consumers are not unfairly charged for services they no longer use and said he had discussed the proposal with at least one large provider, which the sponsor said supported the policy. A member asked whether providers with contract terms requiring a 30‑day notice would be affected if those terms appear in a provider's terms and conditions; the sponsor said the bill is intended to prevent double-billing when a consumer gives notice and the provider continues to bill for another full cycle.
The clerk reported a recorded vote of 23 ayes and 0 nos and the committee forwarded the bill to Calendar and Rules.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 141 — recorded vote 23–0; forwarded to Calendar and Rules.
Ending: The sponsor said the bill addresses consumer billing fairness; committee members advanced it without amendment.
