House Bill 272 Receives Hearing in Committee
House Bill 272 received a hearing before the House Local Government Committee today. The bill passed committee after testimony was presented in favor of the bill by two sponsoring legislators (Josh Bray, Mt Vernon and Derek Lewis, London) and John Dix, KRWA President. Opposing testimony was presented by Tom Fitzgerald, Kentucky Resource Council and Linda Bridwell, Kentucky Public Service Commission. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
Representative Josh Bray is the lead sponsor for House Bill 272, which would create a new section of KRS Chapter 278 to allow water districts and water associations to charge a late payment fee of 10% of the amount billed. This is a long-standing business practice for most businesses and utilities that is being specifically eliminated as an option in recent orders issued by the Kentucky Public Service Commission. Nearly all districts and associations have late payment penalties in their tariffs now. This bill, if it becomes law, would prohibit PSC from modifying, rejecting, or suspending late payment charges established by tariff.
At the committee meeting today, a Committee Substitute and Title Amendment were introduced and passed. Essentially, the Committee Substitute retains all the language allowing the charging of late fees while adding language that will recognize utility personnel as essential workers.
Please contact your Representative today in support of HB 272!