The bill amends section 527a of the 1967 PA 281, which addresses the heating fuel cost credit for claimants in Michigan. It establishes a framework for determining the credit amount based on the number of exemptions claimed and the total household resources of the claimant. The bill mandates that the credit be adjusted annually to ensure that claimants with household resources below 110% of the federal poverty income standards receive assistance. It also outlines the notification process for heating fuel providers to inform customers about the credit and the requirements for remitting credit amounts to claimants. Key provisions include adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index, timely payments from heating fuel providers, and protections against service discontinuation for participants in the winter protection program.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions related to the federal low income home energy assistance program block grant, particularly regarding the allocation of funds for weatherization. It stipulates that if the current fiscal year's federal block grant is less than 90% of the previous year's amount, at least $5,000,000 or 15% of the total grant must be allocated for weatherization. The bill also ensures that credits claimed are exempt from legal processes aimed at collecting debts, and it requires the department to engage stakeholders to improve claims processing. Furthermore, the department must submit annual reports on the effectiveness of the home heating and weatherization assistance programs to legislative committees, while also defining key terms for clarity in implementation.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 206.527
As Passed by the House: 206.527
As Passed by the Senate: 206.527
House Concurred Bill: 206.527
Public Act: 206.527
House Enrolled Bill: 206.527