Provides for unlisted telephone numbers without charge for victims of domestic violence for whose benefit an order of protection has been issued

4 Co-sponsors

• James S. Alesi
• Ruben Diaz
• Thomas P. Morahan
• Dale M. Volker

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to providing for unlisted telephone numbers without charge for certain victims of domestic violence

Purpose

To provide unlisted telephone numbers to domestic violence victims free of charge.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Adds a new subdivision 7 to Section 91 of the Public Service Law, to require phone companies to provide free unlisted phone numbers upon request to domestic violence victims (as defined by 459-h of the SSL) when they receive a permanent order of protection. The free service shall last for the duration of the order.

Section 2. Effective date.

Justification

Phone companies charge customers to not list them in the phone book. Domestic violence victims, for whom confidentiality is essential, should not have to pay to be unlisted in a phone directory. This charge should be waived, where an order of protection exists, so that victims of domestic violence are made to feel safer and more secure. This bill would ensure that victims of domestic violence obtain this service for free.

Prior legislative history

S.1518, (2007-08); S.1553, (2005-2006); S.3279, (2003-2004); S.6427, (2001-2002).

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law; provided that the public service commission is authorized to promulgate any and all rules and regulations and take any other measures necessary to implement this act on its effective date or before such date.