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HSB 308

A bill for an act relating to the low-income home energy assistance program eligibility requirements.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HSB 308 - Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Eligibility OverviewBill Number: HSB 308 Title: A bill for an act relating to the low-income home energy assistance program eli

Subcommittee recommends amendment and passage.
#homeenergyassistance #publicassistance #utilities
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Bill Summary · HSB 308

HSB 308 - Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Eligibility

Overview

Bill Number: HSB 308
Title: A bill for an act relating to the low-income home energy assistance program eligibility requirements.
Status: Subcommittee recommends amendment and passage.
Introduced: March 06, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this bill is to expand eligibility for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in order to provide more low-income households with assistance in meeting their home energy costs. LIHEAP is a federal program that helps qualifying low-income families and individuals pay their heating and cooling bills. This bill aims to make the program accessible to a greater number of residents struggling with energy affordability.

Key Provisions

  • Increases the maximum household income eligibility threshold from 150% to 200% of the federal poverty level.
  • Expands the definition of "household" to include additional family members and dependents.
  • Allows for utility arrearages and past-due bills to be included when determining eligibility.
  • Directs the Department of Human Services to conduct outreach and awareness campaigns to inform eligible residents about the program.
  • Appropriates additional state funding to supplement federal LIHEAP grants and expand program capacity.

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly benefit low-income households by making them eligible for LIHEAP assistance to help cover their home heating and cooling costs. It is estimated that the expanded eligibility could provide assistance to an additional 50,000 households in the state. This would help alleviate energy burdens for these families and individuals, allowing them to devote more of their limited budgets to other essential needs.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill is currently at the subcommittee stage, where it has been recommended for amendment and passage. If approved by the full committee, it would then move to a floor vote in the state legislature. If passed, the bill would require the Department of Human Services to implement the expanded eligibility criteria and outreach efforts within 6 months of the effective date. The additional state funding appropriated in the bill would be available starting in the next fiscal year.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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