Bill
HB 6076
Creates the Energy Stability Fund to provide ongoing energy assistance through DHHS for low-income seniors, disabled individuals, and veterans.
HB 6076 Summary (Michigan)
Overview
- Bill: HB 6076, energy-related, adding Sec. 9v to 1939 PA 3 (Public Utility Regulation Act)
- Purpose: Create the Energy Stability Fund to support energy assistance for specific vulnerable populations.
- Status/history: Introduced Nov. 12, 2024 by Rep. Scott and colleagues; initially referred to the Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee. On Jan. 22, 2025, referred to the Joint Committee on Higher Education and Employment Advancement for coordination. No final passage timeline is provided in the available text.
What the bill would do
- Creates the Energy Stability Fund in the state treasury.
- Allows the State Treasurer to receive money or other assets from any source for deposit into the Fund; requires the Treasurer to direct investments and credit interest earnings to the Fund.
- Requires that money in the Fund at the close of the fiscal year does not lapse to the General Fund (i.e., it carries over year to year).
- Designates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as the administrator of the Fund for auditing purposes.
- Authorizes DHHS to expend money from the Fund, by appropriation, to provide energy assistance for:
- Eligible low-income seniors
- Individuals with a qualified disability
- Veterans
Definitions and key terms
- Eligible low-income senior: defined as an “eligible senior citizen customer” as referenced in section 10t of the act.
- Qualified disability: defined by the bill as one or more physical characteristics described in sections 19a(a)–(g) of the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code (MCL 257.19a).
- Fund: the Energy Stability Fund created in subsection (1) of Sec. 9v.
- Administered for auditing purposes by DHHS: indicates oversight and financial review, rather than day-to-day fund management.
Key provisions and scope
- Funding source flexibility: Money for the Fund can come from any source, including state, federal, private, or other assets.
- Investment and earnings: The Fund’s investments would be managed by the State Treasurer, with earnings credited to the Fund.
- Fiscal accountability: End-of-year fund balances do not lapse to the General Fund, promoting long-term stability.
- Targeted use of funds: Expenditures are limited to energy assistance programs for the three specified groups, contingent on future appropriations.
Impact considerations
- Beneficiaries: Likely to benefit low-income seniors, people with qualifying disabilities, and veterans who need energy assistance (e.g., heating/cooling costs or energy-related services) during financial hardship.
- Fiscal effect: Establishes a dedicated, ongoing funding stream and reserve; requires ongoing appropriations and budgetary alignment within DHHS for program delivery.
- Administration: Adds a defined audit and oversight role for DHHS; funding decisions depend on future appropriations and energy program design.
Notes for readers
- The bill does not specify dollar amounts or the initial funding level; it creates a framework for a permanent energy assistance fund and its governance.
- Definitions reference existing statutory sections (e.g., section 10t for eligible seniors) for alignment with current program criteria.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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