Bill > LD251

This bill amends Maine's public records law to enhance the confidentiality of customer information for public utilities and public sewer systems. Specifically, the bill creates new protections for individual customer information held by public utilities, the Public Utilities Commission, and public sewer systems. For water utilities, the bill allows the Public Utilities Commission to designate certain customer information as confidential. For public sewer systems, the bill establishes comprehensive confidentiality provisions that protect customers' personal details, including names, addresses, contact information, utility usage, payment history, and sensitive financial or medical information. The bill outlines limited exceptions to these confidentiality rules, such as when a customer provides consent, when disclosure is needed for debt collection or utility billing, during emergency situations, or when required by law enforcement through proper legal processes. The legislation aims to protect individual customers' privacy while still allowing necessary information sharing in specific, controlled circumstances. The bill applies to various types of public utilities and sewer systems, including municipal sewer departments, sewer districts, and systems that collect stormwater.

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https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=251&snum=132