HB1262 Relative to home heating oil and propane contracts and sales.
Relative to home heating oil and propane contracts and sales.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Mixed
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
Residents gain guaranteed refunds for undelivered prepaid fuel within 30 days, clearer fee disclosure prevents hidden charges, and limits on termination fees reduce unexpected costs when switching dealers.
Your Community
The bill does not directly impact schools, public services, or local government budgets.
Your Freedom
Residents gain clearer rights to discontinue contracts, receive transparent contract terms, and have enforcement mechanisms through the attorney general, strengthening consumer choice and protection.
Status
Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/02/2026; Chapter 222; eff. 8/31/2026
Sponsor
Janet Lucas (D)
The Short Version
This bill strengthens protections for NH residents who buy home heating oil, kerosene, and propane by requiring clearer contracts, guaranteeing refunds for prepaid fuel, requiring dealers to prove financial ability to deliver, and limiting early termination fees. It also makes violations enforceable as unfair business practices and requires annual dealer registration and reporting to the Secretary of State.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ Households purchasing prepaid home heating oil, kerosene, or propane contracts
- ▲ Consumers switching between fuel dealers
- ▲ Residents seeking transparent pricing and contract terms
- ▲ Consumers with dealer-owned tanks seeking timely removal or transfer
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Home heating oil, kerosene, and propane dealers offering prepaid contracts, who must now obtain registration, file annual reports, maintain securitization methods, and comply with stricter contract and refund requirements
- ▼ Dealers may face increased compliance costs and administrative burden from registration and annual reporting requirements
Bill statuses as of October 7, 2026. Check LegiScan or NH General Court for the latest.
This bill was auto-scored using AI analysis of the bill text and legislative data. Scores may be refined as we review more bills.