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SD 1513

An Act providing for energy assistance during the summer months

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford

SD 1513 - An Act providing for energy assistance during the summer months OverviewBill Number: SD 1513 Title: An Act providing for energy assistance during the summer months Stat

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 1513

SD 1513 - An Act providing for energy assistance during the summer months

Overview

Bill Number: SD 1513
Title: An Act providing for energy assistance during the summer months
Status: House concurred
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to establish a new program to provide financial assistance to low-income households for their energy costs during the summer months. The legislation is intended to help alleviate the burden of high electricity and cooling bills that many families face during the hottest times of the year, when energy usage and costs tend to spike.

Key Provisions

  • Creates the "Summer Energy Assistance Program" to be administered by the state's Department of Social Services
  • Provides direct cash payments of up to $500 per eligible household to offset summer energy bills
  • Eligibility is based on household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line
  • Payments will be issued automatically to qualifying households in June, July, and August
  • Appropriates $75 million in state funding for the program's first year of operation

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill is targeted at supporting low-income families and individuals who struggle to afford their energy costs during the summer. It is estimated that the program could provide assistance to over 150,000 households across the state.

By reducing the financial burden of cooling homes, the legislation aims to improve quality of life, health outcomes, and household financial stability for the state's most vulnerable populations during the hottest months of the year.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill has already passed the state Senate and is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives. If the House concurs, as expected, the legislation will be sent to the Governor for signature into law.

Pending the Governor's approval, the Department of Social Services would then have 90 days to establish the program guidelines and begin issuing the first round of summer energy assistance payments to eligible households.

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

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