Substitute Senate Bill No. 384, Public Act No. 24-37, is an act concerning the Low-Income Energy Advisory Board, which is amended to include water-related issues, thus changing its name to the Low-Income Energy and Water Advisory Board. The bill introduces several changes to the composition and responsibilities of the board. The amendments include the addition of representatives from water companies and the replacement of the executive director of the Legal Assistance Resource Center of Connecticut with a representative from Connecticut Legal Services, Inc., Greater Hartford Legal Aid, or the New Haven Legal Assistance Association. The bill also expands the board's advisory role to include water-assistance-related programs and policies, and it requires the board to make recommendations to the General Assembly regarding the availability and implementation of heating and water assistance programs for low-income and moderate-income households.

The bill specifies that the board will now elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson from among its voting members and outlines the administrative support to be provided by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. It mandates the board to convene and devise recommendations to improve the availability, administration, and implementation of heating and water assistance programs, with a focus on coordination and optimization of existing programs. The board is required to report its recommendations biennially, starting October 15, 2024. Additionally, the Commissioner of Social Services must submit each plan or report to the Low-Income Energy and Water Advisory Board at least seven days before submitting it to the relevant General Assembly committees. The act is effective from July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
ET Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 350:
Public Act No. 24-37: