Bill > H3894

This bill aims to protect the public from property damages caused by public utility companies, such as gas companies. The key provisions include: 1. Establishing a presumption of negligence on the part of the gas company, requiring them to provide evidence rebutting this presumption in an adjudicatory hearing before the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) or in a civil lawsuit. 2. Allowing individuals or entities whose property has been damaged by a gas company to file a complaint with the DPU and request an adjudicatory hearing, where the DPU can award monetary damages and provide equitable relief. 3. Prohibiting arbitration clauses or liability-limiting provisions in gas service contracts from precluding individuals or entities from seeking recovery of actual damages. 4. Ensuring that no tariff approved by the DPU can preclude individuals or entities from seeking recovery of actual property damages. 5. Authorizing the DPU to promulgate regulations to implement these new provisions. The bill aims to provide a clear and accessible process for individuals and entities to seek compensation for property damages caused by public utility companies, particularly gas companies, while also placing the burden of proof on the companies to demonstrate they were not negligent.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3894