Governor Dan McKee has signed legislation introduced by Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) and Rep. Brandon T. Voas (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls) that makes it illegal to charge fees to senior citizens for paper invoices.
The Senior Savings Protection Act (2024-S 2278A, 2024-H 7940A) prohibits the charging of any fees to a person who is 65 years of age or older for a hard-copy paper bill, invoice or statement. A violation of this provision is a deceptive trade practice subject to a $500 fine.
“There are still many senior citizens who have no Internet access,” Voas said in a statement. “This makes paperless billing a great challenge for them. A fee exemption for those over 65 would maintain our commitment to a greener billing process without forcing senior citizens to use a technology they may not be comfortable with.”
“A large segment of the over-65 population is uncomfortable with online payments and digital banking,” LaMountain said in a statement. “Many don’t even have access to the devices they need to utilize these digital services. They should not be charged a fee simply to receive a bill.”
The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
I agree, seniors are not comfortable with computers or anything of that type of paying sorry that is our RIGHT!! It is not easy for some of us. This needs to be respected. Thank you for passing this bill.
They should include any kind of company that wants to charge for speaking to a person instead of using an automated system!!!
Thank you
JC Penney and Synchrony bank just instituted a 1.99 per month charge for paper statements, they need to be dealt with.
What bills are covered by this act and how is it enforced?
Thank you. I think water and sewer bills are charging this. What would help even more is if you remove the customer charge on our electric and gas bills. I get two separate electric bills one for the first floor one for The second floor even though it’s just one household. They said they have to charge us the customer charge for both because there’s two separate meters. The gas bill charges an even higher one. Before I even use any product it cost me almost $30 that is just plain not fair. Please enact something that forces the electric and gas companies in other words Rhode Island energy to stop charging these charges at least for senior citizens!