HB 2656 - DIGEST

     Finds and declares that patients with certain chronic debilitating medical conditions have a critical need to live in high temperature environments in order to sustain their function and prevent a worsening of health conditions that are likely life-threatening.

     Declares that the financial trauma of the onset or progression of these serious illnesses, coupled with inordinate heating costs, may require these patients to become dependent on the state for the costs of meeting more serious and intractable conditions.

     Declares an intent to encourage power, light, and gas distribution businesses in this state to offer discounts on heating costs to temperature-sensitive patients by providing credits against the taxes imposed by chapter 82.16 RCW for customer payment reductions in accordance with the provisions of this act.