Bill > H3579

This bill aims to regulate fees associated with the sale and usage of propane gas by adding a new section to Chapter 164 of the General Laws. It defines "consumer" as someone buying propane for personal use and "seller" as a business selling propane. The bill empowers the attorney general to investigate and address unfair or deceptive practices by sellers, and to create rules for fair business practices that protect consumers. Violations of these rules will be considered unfair and deceptive acts, making any conflicting contract provisions void. Specifically, sellers will be prohibited from charging minimum usage fees, fees for undelivered propane, or forcing consumers to buy a minimum amount of propane annually. When terminating service, sellers cannot charge fees for ending service, removing their storage tank, or handling propane if the tank has been on the consumer's property for over 12 months; for services under 12 months, termination fees are limited to the disclosed cost of labor and materials. Furthermore, sellers must deliver propane to consumer-owned tanks if the consumer proves ownership and the tank passes safety checks according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and attorney general regulations.