JACKSON, Miss.–Taking away extra financial burden that could keep a victim of domestic abuse from seeking refuge in a new home is the goal of a proposal passed by the state’s Public Service Commission Tuesday.
Northern Dist. Commissioner Brandon Presley said in a news release that commissioners passed the new rule, which is modeled after similar rules in Louisiana and Texas. It is expected to help people who have been determined to be a victim of domestic violence by a domestic violence program, treating medical personnel, law enforcement, the office of a District Attorney, or the office of the Attorney General.
Any Mississippi utility would be required to waive the initial deposit fee to get the victim hooked up quickly.
The rule is not yet official. There is a public comment period and you can submit an opinion by visiting the PSC website.
“We know that many times domestic violence victims simply don’t have the money to leave a dangerous situation and start over. It’s my hope this new rule will help,” Presley said. “This is a common sense measure that will be real help for victims of domestic violence in Mississippi.”
