Requires the commissioner of the office of temporary and disability assistance to provide for automated identification of OTDA program participants for participation in utility corporation affordability programs for water service affordability.
Summary
Bill S00766 amends the social services law to facilitate the automated identification of participants in the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) programs for their eligibility in utility corporation affordability programs, specifically for water service affordability. The bill mandates that the commissioner of the OTDA implement automated identification processes within a specified timeframe, enhancing the efficiency of enrolling eligible participants in these affordability programs. This is part of a broader effort to assist low-income individuals and families in managing their utility costs.
Impact
The passage of this bill will significantly impact state laws by streamlining the process through which eligible OTDA program participants can access utility affordability programs. It expands the definition of utility corporations to include water service providers and establishes protocols for automated file matching to identify eligible customers. This change is expected to improve access to financial assistance for water services, thereby alleviating some of the financial burdens faced by low-income households.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S00766 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous support it received during committee and floor votes in both the Senate and Assembly. The bill's focus on aiding vulnerable populations in accessing necessary services has garnered bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing affordability issues in utility services.
Contention
There were no notable points of contention regarding Bill S00766 during the discussions or votes. The unanimous support in both legislative chambers suggests that there were no significant disagreements among lawmakers about the bill's intent or provisions. This consensus indicates a collective recognition of the importance of providing assistance to low-income utility customers.
Same As
Requires the commissioner of the office of temporary and disability assistance to provide for automated identification of OTDA program participants for participation in utility corporation affordability programs for water service affordability.
Requires the commissioner of the office of temporary and disability assistance to provide for automated identification of OTDA program participants for participation in utility corporation affordability programs for water service affordability.
Human services: services or financial assistance; low-income water residential affordability program task force; create. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 14q. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0248'25, SB 0250'25, SB 0252'25
Establishes the office of energy and equity within the department of state to help ensure equitable access to all energy affordability initiatives available in the state by streamlining the administration of energy affordability and access programs, maximizing the support available to each eligible household, and enhancing the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of energy affordability and access programs; establishes the energy affordability fund.
Establishes the office of energy and equity within the department of state to help ensure equitable access to all energy affordability initiatives available in the state by streamlining the administration of energy affordability and access programs, maximizing the support available to each eligible household, and enhancing the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of energy affordability and access programs; establishes the energy affordability fund.