2. Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L.1972, c.186 (C. 48:5A-1 et seq.) or of any other State law to the contrary, any CATV company providing service may establish rates or schedules which provide for a reduction or discount in rates for cable television reception service for senior citizens, disabled citizens, or other economically disadvantaged citizens who meet the eligibility requirements of either the “Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled” program pursuant to P.L.1975, c.194 (C. 30:4D-20 et seq.), as amended and supplemented; or are receiving or are eligible to receive benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program, as defined in section 1 of P.L.1973, c.256 (C. 44:7-85); or are receiving disability insurance benefits under Title II of the federal Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 401 et seq., and meet the income and residency requirements of the “Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled Program,” established pursuant to P.L.1975, c.194 (C. 30:4D-20 et seq.).

The Board of Public Utilities through the Office of Cable Television shall adopt regulations for the prompt, fair and efficient establishment and maintenance of these reduced or discounted rates and schedules. Subscription to the “Tenants’ Lifeline Assistance Program,” established pursuant to P.L.1981, c.210 (C. 48:2-29.30 et seq.), or to the “Lifeline Credit Program,” established pursuant to P.L.1979, c.197 (C. 48:2-29.15 et seq.), shall not be a basis for exclusion from any reduction or discount provided under this section, nor shall subscription to any cable television service from such provider be a basis for exclusion from the Tenants’ Lifeline Assistance Program or the Lifeline Credit Program.

“Senior citizen” means any person 62 years of age or older who subscribes for CATV service and who does not share the subscription with more than one other person in the same dwelling unit who is less than 62 years of age.

L.1985,c.356,s.2; amended 1988, c.81, s.2; 2006, c.83, s.9.