Bill > A05592

This bill directs the Department of State and the Public Service Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on how public utilities, cable television companies, and cellular telephone service providers report consumer payment information to credit reporting agencies. Specifically, the agencies are tasked with examining the prevalence of reporting late payments and defaults for services and fees. They will hold public hearings across the state to gather information and are required to submit a joint report to the governor and legislature by December 31, 2026, including their findings, conclusions, and recommendations for potential regulatory or legislative changes to protect consumers. The bill provides a broad mandate to investigate the impact of these reporting practices on consumers, with particular attention to how payment information is shared with credit reporting agencies. The study will cover a wide range of entities, including public utilities, municipalities providing utility services, cable companies, wireless communication providers, and power authorities. The bill will automatically expire on January 1, 2027, making it a time-limited investigation designed to provide insights into current consumer credit reporting practices in the utility and telecommunications sectors.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5592