Bill Text: TX HB3663 | 2015-2016 | 84th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating to the temporary continuation of utility service for real property of a decedent.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-03-19 - Referred to State Affairs [HB3663 Detail]
Download: Texas-2015-HB3663-Introduced.html
84R10861 JXC-D | ||
By: Naishtat | H.B. No. 3663 |
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relating to the temporary continuation of utility service for real | ||
property of a decedent. | ||
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: | ||
SECTION 1. Chapter 152, Estates Code, is amended by adding | ||
Subchapter D to read as follows: | ||
SUBCHAPTER D. TEMPORARY CONTINUATION OF UTILITY SERVICE | ||
Sec. 152.151. TEMPORARY CONTINUATION OF UTILITY SERVICE. | ||
(a) A decedent's next of kin may submit to an entity that provides | ||
or provided utility service to real property of the decedent a | ||
request that the entity continue the service until the earlier of: | ||
(1) the 90th day after the date the entity receives the | ||
request; | ||
(2) the 14th day after the date a personal | ||
representative of the decedent's estate qualifies; or | ||
(3) the date the next of kin requests that the service | ||
be discontinued. | ||
(b) An entity that receives a request described by | ||
Subsection (a): | ||
(1) is not required to comply with the request unless | ||
the decedent's next of kin submits with the request an electronic or | ||
paper copy of the decedent's death certificate; and | ||
(2) shall suspend imposition and collection of | ||
penalties or fees associated with nonpayment during the period the | ||
entity provides the requested service. | ||
(c) Next of kin who request service under this section are | ||
not personally liable for costs associated with continuing the | ||
service as described by this section. Costs associated with | ||
service requested under this section are a liability of the | ||
decedent's estate. | ||
(d) As soon as possible after the date a personal | ||
representative of the decedent's estate qualifies, the next of kin | ||
who requested service under this section shall notify the entity of | ||
that fact. | ||
SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to | ||
utility service of a decedent who dies on or after the effective | ||
date of this Act. | ||
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |