Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB308

Introduced
3/6/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the low-income home energy assistance program eligibility requirements.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact the state's approach to providing energy assistance to low-income households. By allowing more families to qualify based on their income level and the utility's rate increases, the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens on vulnerable populations during periods of rising energy expenses. The proposed changes could help mitigate the risk of utility disconnections for these households, as they would have increased access to financial support.

Summary

House Study Bill 308 proposes amendments to the eligibility requirements for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Iowa. The bill seeks to raise the income threshold for households qualifying for assistance from 150% to 250% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, it stipulates that eligibility will also depend on whether the household resides in a utility service area that has experienced a rate increase in the specified timeframe between July 2023 and July 2025. The bill's intent is to broaden the access of the program to assist more families facing increased energy costs.

Contention

There may be debates surrounding the funding required to implement these expanded eligibility criteria. The bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services assess fees on electric utilities to cover the program costs associated with the increased eligibility. There could be concerns raised by utility providers regarding how these fees may affect their operational costs and ultimately, consumer rates. As such, the discussion around HSB308 may involve differing perspectives on the sustainability and financial impact of this expanded assistance program.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF218

A bill for an act relating to state child care assistance family income eligibility requirements.

IA HSB233

A bill for an act relating to state child care assistance eligibility requirements and child care provider reimbursement rates.(See HF 707.)

IA HF707

A bill for an act relating to state child care assistance eligibility requirements and child care provider reimbursement rates. (Formerly HSB 233.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HSB729

A bill for an act relating to state child care assistance program reimbursement rates and eligibility for the children of certain child care providers.(See HF 2658.)

IA HF394

A bill for an act relating to supplemental nutrition assistance program eligibility.

IA HF2658

A bill for an act relating to state child care assistance program reimbursement rates and eligibility for the children of certain child care providers. (Formerly HSB 729.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF2698

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for veterans and health and human services, including other related provisions and appropriations including but not limited to the personal needs allowance for certain persons under Medicaid and the state supplementary assistance programs, replacement generation tax revenues, the Medicaid fraud and health care trust funds, the retention of certain revenues by the mental health institutes, the retention of Medicaid eligibility by residents of mental health institutes, the scope of services of the state resource centers, the appropriation of moneys in the juvenile detention home fund, the family investment program account and diversion program, the child support collection services center refund account, the quality assurance assessment payment period, the centers of excellence grant program, an assisted living program revised payment model study, funding for county commissions of veteran affairs, foster care provisions including those relating to a relative or fictive kin, health care employment agencies and health care technology platforms, medical cannabidiol practitioner requirements, nursing facility oversight, and state-funded psychiatry residency and fellowship positions, providing penalties, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. Effective date: 05/09/2024, 07/01/2024. Applicability date: 07/01/2022, 07/01/2023.

IA SF62

A bill for an act relating to the state child care assistance eligibility requirements and provider reimbursement rates.

IA HSB741

A bill for an act relating to the establishment of an easy enrollment health care coverage program utilizing the state income tax form.

IA HF2148

A bill for an act relating to the establishment of an easy enrollment health care coverage program utilizing the state income tax form.

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