HB93 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Beckman

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

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

Summary

HB93 would let gas, electric, and water utility providers hire lawyers to collect unpaid bills and add a reasonable attorney fee to the debt, excluding cable TV and Internet providers.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill allows certain utility services to retain a licensed attorney to pursue debt collection. Utilities may add a reasonable collection fee to the outstanding debt, to be paid by the debtor. The provision explicitly excludes cable TV and Internet service providers. It would take effect on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved by the Governor (or otherwise becomes law).

Who It Affects

• Debtors/customers who owe utility bills may owe higher total amounts due to the added attorney collection fee.
• Gas, electric, and water utility providers gain the ability to hire attorneys to collect debts and add fees to unpaid balances.
• Licensed attorneys or collection firms contracted by utilities may be hired to pursue these debts.

Key Provisions

• Utility services including gas, electric power and light, and water services may retain a licensed attorney for collecting debts owed by any person.
• The utility may add a reasonable attorney collection fee to the outstanding debt, payable by the debtor.
• The bill does not apply to cable TV or Internet service providers.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval, or as otherwise enacted.

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