5126-S2.E AMH SHMK HATF 076

E2SSB 5126 - H AMD TO APP COMM AMD (H-1619.1/21) 749

By Representative Schmick

ADOPTED 04/23/2021

On page 69, line 14 of the striking amendment, after "31" strike "and 36" and insert ", 36, and 43"

On page 73, after line 33 of the striking amendment, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 43. RESIDENTIAL HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

(1) The legislature intends by this section to establish policies to mitigate the cost burden of the program established by this act on consumers who use home heating fuels that are not electricity or natural gas.

(2) The department, in collaboration with interested stakeholders, shall develop a proposal for assisting households that, for residential home heating, use fuels that are not electricity or natural gas. The proposal must give priority to assisting low-income households through weatherization, conservation and efficiency services, and bill assistance.

(3) In the event the department, in collaboration with interested stakeholders, determines that the proposal developed pursuant to subsection (2) of this section requires legislative action, the department shall submit its recommendations for proposed legislation to the appropriate committees of the legislature no later than September 15, 2022."

EFFECT: States the intent of the Legislature to establish policies to mitigate the cost burden of the program established by the act on consumers who use home heating fuels that are not electricity or natural gas. Requires the Department of Ecology (Ecology), in collaboration with interested stakeholders, to develop a proposal for assisting households that, for residential home heating, use fuels that are not electricity or natural gas. Requires that the proposal give priority to assisting low-income households through weatherization, conservation and efficiency services, and bill assistance. Requires that if Ecology, in collaboration with interested stakeholders, determines that the proposal requires legislative action, Ecology must submit its recommendations for proposed legislation to the appropriate committees of the Legislature no later than September 15, 2022.

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