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HB 6075

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- INSURANCE BENEFITS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jose Batista and 6 co-sponsors

DHHS must notify MEAP participants about eligibility for other services like weatherization and energy efficiency programs.

03/12/2025 Introduced, referred to House Finance
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Bill Summary · HB 6075

HB 6075 — Michigan Energy Assistance Act (amendment to MCL 400.1233)

Main purpose

HB 6075 amends section 3 of the Michigan Energy Assistance Act (2012 PA 615) to clarify and expand certain operational duties of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in administering the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). The core, explicit change in this bill is to require DHHS to notify MEAP participants about their eligibility for other services under the program (for example, energy waste‑reduction products and home weatherization services). The bill is tie‑barred to Senate Bills 353, 880, and 881, which address broader MEAP eligibility and Low‑Income Energy Assistance Fund administration.

Key provisions

  • Notification requirement: DHHS must notify MEAP participants that they are eligible for other services under the MEAP, including energy waste reduction products and services offered by energy providers and home weatherization programs. (Amends MCL 400.1233(6).)
  • Program priorities and services (existing language retained/clarified): Energy assistance must prioritize vulnerable populations and—when appropriate—include services to help participants become or move toward self‑sufficiency (examples: bill‑payment assistance, budgeting help, referrals to weatherization or energy waste reduction programs).
  • Single application: DHHS must develop and make available a simplified, single application for all MEAP applicants and contracted service entities. (MCL 400.1233(4).)
  • Reporting deadline adjustment: Retains annual reporting requirement on program expenditures and distribution; adds a timing provision stating that, beginning with the program year that begins October 1, 2025, the annual report must be filed no later than March 1, 2027. (MCL 400.1233(5).)
  • Administrative details: Confirms DHHS may use federal and state funds and may allocate a portion for necessary administrative expenses calculated using an established cost allocation methodology.
  • Tie‑bar: Enacting section conditions the act’s effective application on enactment of SB 353, SB 880, and SB 881.

Who is affected

  • MEAP participants and low‑income households (who may gain clearer notice of related services such as weatherization and efficiency programs).
  • DHHS (new notification duty; existing program administration duties clarified).
  • Entities that contract with DHHS to deliver MEAP services (use of single application; coordination expectations).
  • Energy providers and weatherization program operators (may see increased referrals/outreach).

Timeline and status

  • Introduced: November 12, 2024 (Rep. Helena Scott et al.)
  • Passed House: December 10, 2024
  • Passed Senate: December 20, 2024
  • Enacted as Public Act No. 198 (102nd Leg.): approved January 16, 2025; effective April 2, 2025.
  • The act’s enacting section ties its effect to SBs 353, 880, and 881.

Fiscal impact

Nonpartisan legislative analysis reports no fiscal impact on state or local government.

Practical effect

The bill is primarily administrative and consumer‑access focused: by requiring DHHS to notify MEAP participants about additional program services (e.g., weatherization and energy efficiency offerings) and standardizing application/reporting mechanisms, it aims to improve participant awareness and coordination between assistance and energy‑efficiency programs without creating new benefit entitlements or imposing a direct state fiscal cost.

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

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