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S 959

Establishes the disability benefits maximization and assistance program to assist eligible state retirees in obtaining certain disability benefits

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 2 co-sponsors

Creates an Extreme Heat Energy Assistance Program to help low- and moderate-income Massachusetts residents pay summer cooling bills (May 15–Sept 30) using LIHEAP delivery.

PRINT NUMBER 959A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 959

Summary — S.959 (Print 959A): Extreme Heat Energy Assistance Program

Short title: An Act providing for energy assistance during the summer months.

Purpose: Establish an annual “extreme heat energy assistance” program to help low‑ and moderate‑income Massachusetts residents pay energy bills during the warmer months (May 15 – September 30), by providing benefits targeted to households at or below statutory income thresholds and by leveraging existing Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) infrastructure.

Key provisions

  • Creates a new Section 23C in Chapter 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws authorizing an Extreme Heat Energy Assistance Program administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), in coordination with the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
  • Eligible period: May 15 through September 30 each year.
  • Income eligibility: residents earning no greater than 150% of the federal poverty guideline (FPG) or no greater than 60% of the state median income (SMI), whichever is greater; also includes residents already found eligible for LIHEAP.
  • Administration: program may be administered in coordination with LIHEAP (42 U.S.C. §8621 et seq.) using the same grantee agencies, applications, and verification procedures to the maximum extent possible.
  • Funding and benefit limits:
    • Program operates only “subject to appropriation” — benefits limited to amounts appropriated by the Legislature.
    • EOHLC must set benefit rates and maximums so total payments do not exceed the appropriation.
    • Up to 10% of appropriated funds may be used for administrative costs.
  • Rulemaking: EOHLC must promulgate implementing regulations within 6 months of the act’s effective date.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: low‑ and moderate‑income Massachusetts households meeting the income test (≤150% FPG or ≤60% SMI) and current LIHEAP recipients.
  • Administrative entities: EOHLC (lead), DOER (coordinator), and existing LIHEAP grantee agencies (for application and verification).
  • Fiscal impact depends on annual appropriations set by the Legislature.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Bill docketed and filed in the 194th Massachusetts General Court (filed 1/16/2025).
  • Introduced/Read in Senate: March 11, 2025; printed as 959A March 19, 2025.
  • Hearings and committee actions were scheduled/reported in 2025 (e.g., hearing 7/23/2025; committee favorable report 10/23/2025) — see legislative history for details.
  • Regulations required within 6 months after enactment; program requires appropriation before benefits begin.

Sponsors & related measures

  • Petition/primary sponsor in Commonwealth: Senator Joanne M. Comerford; petitioning legislators also include John F. Keenan and James B. Eldridge.
  • Related/companion measures listed: SD 1513 (replaces), S.8871 (prior session), A.4990 (companion).

Potential impact

  • Provides targeted summer energy bill relief to households vulnerable to high cooling costs during extreme heat periods.
  • Leverages existing LIHEAP delivery systems for rapid implementation and lower administrative start‑up costs.
  • Actual reach and benefit levels depend on legislative appropriations and program rules adopted by EOHLC.

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

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