COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
OVERSIGHT DIVISION
FISCAL NOTE
L.R. No.: 2809-05
Bill No.: Perfected SCS for SB 810
Subject: Public Assistance: Energy
Type: Original
Date: March 19, 2002
FISCAL SUMMARY
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All State Funds |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All Federal Funds |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| Local Government | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses.
This fiscal note contains 3 pages.
ASSUMPTION
Officials of the Department of Social Services' Division of Family Services (DFS) stated that they anticipate an increased number of consumers would be eligible for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). However, the current limits on appropriations to the Utilicare Stabilization Fund (section 660.135) would still be in effect. Therefore there would be no impact on state funds.
| FISCAL IMPACT - State Government | FY 2003
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
| FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government | FY 2003
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business
No direct fiscal impact to small businesses would be expected as a result of this proposal.
DESCRIPTION
This proposal would change the Utilicare program. Some of the changes are as follows:
1) a household would qualify for Utilicare aid if household income were one hundred and fifty percent (150%) or less of current federal poverty guidelines (currently household income may not exceed 110% of those guidelines) or if household income did not exceed 60% of the state median income;
2) the $150 limit on payments to eligible households would be increased to $600;
3) the limitation on using general revenue for reconnecting or maintaining service to eligible households which have had service disconnected until federal emergency funds for those services have been obligated would be removed;
4) low-income weatherization projects partly funded with utilicare funds, in coordination with Department of Natural Resources' low income weatherization assistance program, would comply with federal guidelines (currently, such projects must have a full energy savings payback period of no more than ten years);
5) the Department of Social Services would coordinate all federal heating assistance programs into the Utilicare program; and
6) the sources of income for and uses of the Utilicare Stabilization Fund would be changed.
This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other program and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space. This legislation would not affect Total State Revenue.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Department of Social Services
Mickey Wilson, CPA
Acting Director
March 19, 2002