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Senate Approves Paper Invoices Bill Banning Fees for Seniors

[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] The Rhode Island State House is located at 82 Smith St. Providence.
[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] The Rhode Island State House is located at 82 Smith St. Providence.
[CREDIT: Rob Borkowski] The Rhode Island State House is located at 82 Smith St. Providence.

STATE HOUSE — The Senate has passed the paper invoices bill introduced by Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain that would make it illegal to charge fees to senior citizens for paper invoices.

The Senior Savings Protection Act (2024-S 2278A) 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.”

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where Rep. Brandon T. Voas (D-Dist. 57, Cumberland, Central Falls) has introduced similar legislation (2024-H 7940).

Rob Borkowski
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 [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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