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SB 964

AN ACT PROHIBITING BUSINESSES FROM IMPOSING A SURCHARGE ON CONSUMERS WHO REQUEST TO RECEIVE BILLS IN PAPER FORM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mae Flexer and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill bans businesses from charging fees to customers requesting paper bills instead of digital statements.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON General Law
#business #commercialtransactions #fees
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Bill Summary · SB 964

Legislative bill overview

SB 964 would prohibit Connecticut businesses from charging customers additional fees when they request paper bills instead of digital statements. The bill applies to any business that offers billing services and would make it illegal to impose surcharges specifically for paper bill delivery.

Why is this important

As businesses increasingly shift to digital-only billing, paper bill surcharges can disproportionately affect older adults, low-income households, and people without reliable internet access. This bill addresses concerns that mandatory digital transition policies exclude vulnerable populations and ensures continued access to traditional billing methods without financial penalty.

Potential points of contention

  • Business operational costs: Companies argue that paper billing, printing, and mailing genuinely costs more than digital delivery and that surcharges reflect actual expenses rather than profit motives
  • Digital transition incentives: Businesses may claim surcharges encourage environmental sustainability and operational efficiency; removing them could reduce motivation to transition customers to cheaper digital options
  • Scope and enforcement: Unclear whether the bill applies to all businesses or specific industries (utilities, financial institutions, healthcare, etc.), and enforcement mechanisms are not detailed
  • Market competition argument: Some contend that market forces and consumer choice already limit excessive surcharges without government intervention

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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