Senate Sponsors: RAUSCHENBERGER-MAITLAND-TROTTER. House Sponsors: MORROW-BLACK-NOVAK-SMITH,MICHAEL-SLONE Short description: ENERGY ASSISTANCE ACT Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the Energy Assistance Act of 1989. Repeals Sections concerning the recycled cellulose insulation plan, interagency agreements, aid to families with dependent children, and the Energy Assistance Program Design Group. Changes the short title of the Act to the "Energy Assistance Act". Authorizes the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs to promote (instead of "ensure") the availability and affordability of heating and electric costs to low income citizens. Removes the requirement that the Department have an energy assistance program in operation by November 1, 1989. Changes the membership and duties of the Low Income Energy Assistance Policy Advisory Council. Provides that 1/3 of the funds for the energy assistance program go to benefits to be made available to the households with the lowest incomes (instead of those that are eligible for public assistance). Provides that assistance levels be adjusted annually on the basis of energy costs as well as funding availability. Provides that certain households are offered a priority application period (instead of a one-month application period). Provides that the Department may provide additional benefits to certain applicants. Provides that the weatherization plan must include an evaluation of results from the weatherization program every third year (instead of annually). Provides that the Department of Natural Resources submit reports on September 30 biennially, beginning in 2003 (instead of March 15 of each year beginning in 1991). Provides report procedures and requirements for the Department of Natural Resources. Removes requirement, for determining which customers will participate in the weatherization component of the Energy Assistance Fund. Removes the provision that if, as of June 30, 2007 (instead of June 30, 2002), the Energy Assistance Program has not been replaced by a new program, which is in operation, then the General Assembly may (instead of "shall") review the program. Provides that, in its use of federal funds, the Department may not cause a disproportionate share of those funds to benefit customers of systems that do not assess the Energy Assistance Charge. Revises cross-references to the new short title. Effective immediately. SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Adds 2 members to the Low Income Energy Assistance Policy Advisory Council. SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 2. Makes technical corrections. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1. Adds 3 members to the Low Income Energy Assistance Policy Advisory Council who shall be designated by the Mayor of the City of Chicago. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 2. Restores a finding in current law that "the health, welfare, and prosperity of the people of the State of Illinois require that all citizens receive essential levels of heat and electric service regardless of economic circumstance". Restores a declaration in current law that it is the policy of the State that "a comprehensive low income energy assistance policy and program should be established which incorporates income assistance, home weatherization, and other measures to ensure that citizens have access to affordable energy services". Restores a provision in current law that the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs is authorized to institute a program to ensure the availability and affordability of heating and electric service to low income citizens. Deletes language in the engrossed bill that would have repealed on December 31, 2007 (unless renewed by action of the General Assembly) provisions creating the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund and governing deposits into and expenditures from the Fund. HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 3. Reinserts language that repeals, on December 31, 2007 (unless renewed by action of the General Assembly), provisions creating the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund and governing deposits into and expenditures from the Fund. Last action on Bill: PUBLIC ACT.............................. 92-0690 Last action date: JUL-18-2002 Location: Senate Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 3 SENATE - 2 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status