AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

SB 601 increases penalties for public utilities and carriers that violate duties outlined in state law. It raises fines for violations from $200-$1,000 to $200-$5,000 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate violation. The bill also imposes misdemeanor penalties of $100-$1,000 on utility officers or agents who violate rules or fail to comply with regulatory orders. This directly affects public utilities (like gas, water, or electric providers) and their employees responsible for adhering to regulatory requirements.