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H 3498

Income tax brackets

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephen Frank and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a DHCD-run cooling assistance program, funding up to $500 for AC/fans and cooling bills, and bans residential utility shutoffs for households in financial distress.

Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Frank
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Bill Summary · H 3498

Summary — H 3498: Income tax brackets (listed title) / An Act to expand the low income home energy assistance program

Note: although styled “Income tax brackets” in the header, the bill text and title presented to the Legislature are “An Act to expand the low income home energy assistance program.”

Purpose

To establish a state-run low‑income cooling assistance program under the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and to prohibit utilities from shutting off residential gas or electric service for customers who cannot pay because of financial hardship. The bill directs use of a portion of existing Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to provide cooling equipment and related electric-bill assistance for eligible households.

Key provisions

  • Adds new Section 24C to Chapter 23B (General Laws):

    • DHCD undersecretary will operate a low‑income cooling assistance program consistent with the federal Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 8621–8630).
    • Program benefits: purchase and installation of an air‑conditioning unit and/or ceiling fans and/or box fan(s) up to $500 total per household; funds may also subsidize electric bills when used for cooling during appropriate seasons.
    • Eligibility: household income ≤ 60% of state median income (SMI); applicant must be homeowner or provide landlord’s written permission to install a window AC (no landlord permission required for box fans).
    • Funding: at least 10% of annual LIHEAP-allocated funds must be dedicated to this cooling program each fiscal year; funds to be distributed statewide with priority to underserved/disproportionately impacted areas based on income, housing infrastructure/density, and climate.
    • Reporting: DHCD must submit an annual report to the Joint Committee on Housing and the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means detailing applicants, accepted applications, participating retailers, administering entities, units/fans distributed, and program costs.

  • Amends Section 124F of Chapter 164:

    • Prohibits gas or electric companies from shutting off residential service when the customer cannot pay an overdue charge because of financial hardship.
    • Authorizes the (state) department to adopt implementing regulations consistent with the section.

  • Effective date: the act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Who is affected

  • Low‑income households (≤60% SMI) needing cooling equipment or seasonal electric‑bill assistance.
  • Renters and homeowners (renters will need landlord permission for window ACs).
  • DHCD (program administration and reporting duties).
  • Utilities (new prohibition on shutoffs for customers with financial hardship) and the department that regulates utilities (rulemaking).
  • Retailers and service providers participating in equipment distribution/installation.
  • LIHEAP allocations: at least 10% redirected toward cooling assistance, which may change how LIHEAP funds are used across other energy needs.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Prefiled: 12/05/2024. Introduced/read first time: 01/14/2025.
  • Sponsors/petitioners: Representatives Homar Gómez and Adam Gómez; additional petitioners include Vanna Howard and Bud L. Williams. Members Kilmartin and Frank later added as sponsors.
  • Referred to Committee on Ways and Means (01/14/2025) and to the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy (02/27/2025).
  • Hearing(s) scheduled/rescheduled for 09/25/2025 (committee hearing docket entries).
  • The bill becomes law only if enacted and signed by the Governor (effective upon approval).

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

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