Bill > HB4461

This bill establishes limitations on billing practices for internet and telecommunications providers in West Virginia, requiring them to automatically credit customers for service outages lasting five or more consecutive days (120 hours), unless the outage is due to reasons outside the provider's reasonable control, such as cyber-attacks, major equipment failures, or actions by the customer. A "consumer" is defined as anyone purchasing these services for personal or business use, and an "internet and telecommunication service provider" is any entity qualified to do business in the state that offers such services. If a provider violates these credit requirements, the Attorney General can take action to recover excessive charges and impose civil penalties ranging from the cost of one month's service up to $1,000. Providers must also report monthly to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division about the number of customers receiving credits, the total credit amounts, and the geographic scope of outages, with this data being kept confidential but usable for analysis. Importantly, these provisions do not apply to disruptions in mobile phone service.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4461&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill