Requires utilities accept public assistance payments

This bill requires gas and electric utilities to accept payments from public assistance programs (like the Home Energy Assistance Program and emergency funding) as full payment for residential customers. Utilities must treat these payments as if paid directly by the customer, including restoring disconnected service or stopping collections. It directly affects low-income households using these assistance programs by preventing utility disconnections due to unpaid bills when aid is available. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.