HB 5222 Summary

• Requires written contracts for residential heating oil and propane sales with dealer-owned tanks that specify all fees, charges, and penalties; prohibits fees beyond tank rental, tank removal, or liquidated damages (which cannot exceed actual damages).

• Mandates purchase options allowing consumers to buy underground storage tanks and associated equipment at commercially reasonable prices within 60 months of contract start; limits above-ground tank contracts to initial terms of no more than 36 months.

• Requires contracts be in plain language with fees in 12-point boldface type; permits telephonic contract completion only if consumers receive written terms in advance, agree via interactive voice response system, and receive confirmation letters with 3-business-day rescission rights.

• Establishes that dealers offering guaranteed price contracts (fixed, capped, or similar) must secure futures contracts, physical supply contracts, or surety bonds covering at least 80% of committed fuel delivery within 5 business days of contract receipt.

• Increases penalties for violations from $100-$500 to $500-$1,500 based on offense recency; makes knowingly violating guaranteed price contract requirements a Class A misdemeanor.