Vacating tenants submetered utility service final billing provision and payment of rent by tenants provisions modifications

Added a prohibition against landlords listing minor children as defendants in eviction complaints, with an exception only if the minor is the sole tenant.

Increased the civil penalty for abusing the expedited eviction hearing process from $500 to $750.

Added a specific definition for 'assault' in the context of expedited eviction hearings to align with state criminal law.

Established an effective date of August 1, 2026, for the new minor protection and expedited hearing penalty provisions.

Added a specific definition for 'digital payment platform' to clarify which electronic systems are covered under the new rules.

Modified the landlord's obligation to require that both the digital platform and the alternative payment method must be non-functioning for the tenant to qualify for protection.

Added a new 'affirmative defense' clause allowing tenants to dismiss eviction cases and recover attorney fees if the landlord violates the digital payment rules.

Established an effective date of August 1, 2026, for the new provisions.