TRENTON - Gov. Phil Murphy has signed "Linda's Law,'' which prohibits electric companies from shutting off power to customers who rely on electric-powered medical equipment to survive.

The governor signed the law Friday, a year to the date that Linda Daniels died hours after Public Service Electric and Gas Co. shut off power to her Newark house, where she was in hospice care with congestive heart failure. The 68-year-old grandmother relied on an electric-powered oxygen tank to breathe.

Linda's Law, named after Daniels, prohibits electric public utilities from discontinuing service for 90 days due to nonpayment for customers who rely on electric-powered medical equipment to survive.

"No one should fear losing their life because their electricity bill is a few days overdue," Murphy said. "Linda's Law will protect residents who rely upon electricity to support their medical equipment."

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The law requires public utility companies to verify with all residential customers whether anyone at the residence uses life-sustaining equipment powered. They are required to request that information on a semi-annual basis.

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"One year ago, Linda Daniels lost her life when her electricity was shut off and the oxygen mask that she desperately needed lost power," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.

"For seven hours, in the middle of a heat wave, she gasped for breath," Baraka said. "A year later, a family is still mourning the loss of a 68-year-old mother and grandmother who had much more life to give her family and community. We must continue to keep them in prayer and have trust that Linda's death will not be in vain. Out of this tragic loss, 'Linda's Law' will protect and support those that need it the most regardless of their ability to afford it."

Kathleen Hopkins: 732-643-4202; Khopkins@app.com