Bill > HB3161

This bill, amending Chapter 393 of the Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo), establishes that a public utility, which is defined as a company that provides essential services like electricity, gas, or water, cannot charge extra fees or require additional deposits to transfer utility service to the spouse of the account holder under specific circumstances. These circumstances include the death, deportation, or incarceration for over sixty days of the primary account holder, provided the account is in good standing. However, a new deposit might be required if the spouse has an outstanding, unpaid bill from the last five years for the same type of service that is not in dispute, has previously interfered with or diverted utility service without authorization, or fails to provide proper identification. If a new deposit is necessary, the spouse can typically pay it in installments, unless the utility can prove past unauthorized use of service. The bill also clarifies that utilities can request documentation, such as a marriage certificate or proof of residency, to verify the spousal relationship before transferring the service.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3161&year=2026&code=R