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A 5563

Relates to the development of a public anti-stigma mental health education program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paula Kay and 6 co-sponsors

Establishes a Summer Termination Program preventing electric, water, and sewer shutoffs for eligible residential customers from June 15 to August 31.

REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
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Bill Summary · A 5563

Summary — A5563 (P.L.2025, c.145)

Short title: Establishes a "Summer Termination Program" to limit utility shutoffs for eligible residential customers during summer months.

Purpose

To prevent termination of essential utility services (electric, water, sewer) for vulnerable residential customers during the hottest part of the year by requiring the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to implement a Summer Termination Program that provides shutoff protections and related consumer protections.

Key provisions

  • Agencies: DCA (for local authorities, municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives) and BPU (for regulated public utilities) must each establish a Summer Termination Program within 120 days of the law’s effective date.
  • Date-based protections: Prohibits discontinuation of electric, sewer, or water service to eligible residential customers during June 15 through August 31 each year.
  • Restoration requirement: Any eligible residential customer whose service was terminated for nonpayment prior to June 15 must have service restored on June 15; no reconnection fee may be charged. Utilities may verify occupancy prior to restoration.
  • Deferred payment discussions: During June 15–August 31, utilities must discuss deferred payment arrangements with participating residential customers who are in arrears.
  • Eligibility:
    • Customers who meet one or more categorical eligibility criteria used in the applicable Winter Termination Program (as established by DCA or BPU); or
    • Customers unable to pay bills due to circumstances beyond their control (examples listed: unemployment, illness, medically related expenses, recent death of an immediate family member, or other hardship as determined by the agency).
  • Self-certification: DCA and BPU must establish a process (form and manner determined by the agency) allowing residential customers to self‑certify inability to pay due to qualifying circumstances.
  • Exception: Protections do not apply to shutoffs that are necessary due to a “utility emergency” — any condition posing potential danger to life, health, or property requiring discontinuance or interruption of service.
  • Rulemaking: DCA and BPU must promulgate implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Affected parties

  • Residential customers of local authorities, municipal utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and regulated public utilities (including tenants where the account holder is non‑residential).
  • Local and municipal utilities and public utilities, which must change termination, restoration, and customer‑assistance procedures during the covered period.

Fiscal and operational impact

  • Office of Legislative Services (OLS) estimated up to $3.5 million annually in State administrative costs (staffing/resources) to establish and administer the programs (based on analogous Winter Termination Program spending).
  • Potential reduced local revenue from fewer reconnection fees and penalties; potential local savings from reduced dispatch for disconnections/reconnections.

Legislative history & status

  • Introduced: April 10, 2025 (A5563)
  • Floor amendments replaced a prior temperature‑trigger approach (three‑day wet bulb globe ≥85°F) with the June 15–August 31 date-based period.
  • Passed both houses (Assembly and Senate) June 30, 2025; approved and enacted as P.L.2025, c.145 on September 24, 2025.
  • Companion: S4361.

Notes

  • The enacted law applies separately to entities covered by DCA (local/municipal/rural cooperatives) and BPU (public utilities); both agencies must adopt implementing regulations.

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

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