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Bill

S 2876

Requires automatic enrollment into utility bill payment assistance programs for certain individuals and households.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight and 2 co-sponsors

Automatic enrollment in utility payment assistance would have expanded access for low-income households, but was superseded by approved legislation addressing the same issue.

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.387.
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Bill Summary · S 2876

Legislative bill overview

S 2876 would have mandated automatic enrollment of eligible low-income households into utility bill payment assistance programs without requiring them to apply. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, because its provisions were incorporated into and approved as part of Public Law 2025, Chapter 387, making separate passage unnecessary.

Why is this important

Automatic enrollment removes barriers that prevent eligible residents from accessing utility assistance, addressing the practical problem that many qualifying households never complete application processes due to complexity, lack of awareness, or administrative burden. This approach could significantly expand program reach and help vulnerable populations avoid utility shutoffs or disconnection.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and consent concerns: Automatically enrolling individuals raises questions about data sharing between agencies and whether implicit enrollment respects individual choice
  • Program capacity and funding: Automatic enrollment could substantially increase demand on utility assistance programs, potentially straining existing budgets and resources
  • Determining eligibility criteria: Defining which households qualify for automatic enrollment (income thresholds, family size, etc.) involves policy tradeoffs that affect program scope and cost
  • Implementation complexity: Requires coordination between utility companies, social service agencies, and government databases to identify and enroll eligible households

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

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