79R436 MTB-D

By:  Oliveira                                                     H.B. No. 3323


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use by electric utilities of credit histories and credit scores in determining rates. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Section 39.110 to read as follows: Sec. 39.110. USE OF CUSTOMER CREDIT HISTORY OR CREDIT SCORE. (a) In this section: (1) "Credit history" means information regarding an individual's past history of: (A) financial responsibility; (B) payment habits; or (C) creditworthiness. (2) "Credit score" means a score, grade, or value that is derived by using data from a credit history in any type of model, method, or program for the purpose of grading or ranking credit report data, whether derived electronically, from an algorithm, through a computer software application model or program, or through any other analogous process. (b) A retail electric provider, aggregator, or other entity that provides retail electric service may not use a residential customer's credit history or credit score in determining the customer's rate for service. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.