HB622 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Beckman

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Utility service, allowing the collection of attorney fees for the collection of debts

Summary

HB622 would let gas, electric, and water utilities charge a reasonable attorney collection fee when collecting debts from customers.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, utilities in these sectors could hire a licensed attorney to collect unpaid bills. They may add a reasonable collection fee to the amount owed, payable by the debtor. The bill does not apply to cable TV or Internet service providers, and the law would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor's approval (or it becoming law otherwise).

Who It Affects

• Utility customers who owe unpaid bills may be charged a reasonable attorney collection fee added to their debt.
• Gas, electric, and water utilities may hire licensed attorneys to collect debts and add a collection fee to the outstanding balance.

Key Provisions

• Utility services may retain a licensed attorney to collect debts owed by customers.
• A reasonable collection fee may be added to the debt, payable by the debtor, to cover collection costs incurred or to be incurred.
• Not applicable to cable TV or Internet service providers.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and approval by the Governor (or otherwise becoming law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Utilities