By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – A bill that would bar utility companies from cutting off service to delinquent customers during extremely hot weather has been endorsed by the Missouri Senate.
The bill would establish a hot weather rule, similar to the cold weather rule that is in effect during the late fall and winter months.
The sponsor, Senate Minority Leader Maida Coleman (D, St. Louis), says it would bar utilities from interrupting service for non-payment between June 1 and July 30, when the temperature is above 95 degrees or the heat index above 105.
"Over 280 Missourians lost their lives to heat-related deaths in our state between 2000 and 2005," Coleman said on the floor of the State Senate.
There was no opposition to the bill.
It needs a final vote by the Senate before it can be sent over to the Missouri House.