![[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] The Rhode Island State House is located at 82 Smith St. Providence.](https://e8dgfhu6pow.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/RI-State-House.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
![[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] The Rhode Island State House is located at 82 Smith St. Providence.](https://e8dgfhu6pow.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/RI-State-House-336x252.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
STATE HOUSE — Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) and Rep. Brandon T. Voas (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls)’s bills would prohibit paper invoice fees charged to senior citizens.
The Senior Savings Protection Act (2024-S 2278, 2024-H 7940) would prohibit the charging of any fees to a person who is 65 years of age or older for a hard-copy paper bill, invoice or statement. The violation of this provision would be a deceptive trade practice subject to a $500 fine.
“A large segment of the over-65 population is uncomfortable with online payments and digital banking,” said Senator LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston). “Many don’t even have access to the devices they need to utilize these digital services. They should not be charged a fee simply to receive a bill.”
“There is still a large segment of the elderly that has no Internet access,” said Representative Voas (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls). “This makes paperless billing a great challenge for them. A fee exemption for those over 65 would maintain our commitment to a greener billing process without forcing senior citizens to use a technology they may not be comfortable with.”
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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