HB162 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randall Shedd

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Public utilities, grant moneys, Department of Economic and Community Affairs develop procedure to give priority access to grant moneys to senior citizens to provide heating and cooling assistance

Summary

HB162 would require ADECA to create a procedure that gives priority access to heating and cooling grant funds to low-income senior citizens for a limited time.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires ADECA to design a uniform LIHEAP fund distribution process for local agencies and nonprofits. It would allow qualifying low-income seniors to apply for priority access to a portion of LIHEAP funds at any officially recognized senior center at least two weeks before general distribution. ADECA may, but is not required to, enter memoranda of understanding with senior centers to help process applications, with the aim of improving access for seniors with mobility or other access challenges.

Who It Affects

• Low-income senior citizens (60 years and older) who qualify for LIHEAP, as they would receive priority access to a percentage of heating and cooling funds for a limited time.
• Officially recognized senior centers and the local community action agencies/nonprofit organizations that distribute LIHEAP funds, which may process LIHEAP applications under MOUs with ADECA (participation by centers is not mandatory).

Key Provisions

• ADECA must develop a uniform LIHEAP distribution procedure for use by all local community action agencies and contract partners.
• Senior citizens who qualify for LIHEAP may apply for funds at any officially recognized senior center at least two weeks before general distribution, with a percentage of funds set aside for priority access for a limited time.
• ADECA may enter memoranda of understanding with officially recognized senior centers to process LIHEAP applications, but centers are not required to enter into such agreements.
• Definitions are provided for LIHEAP, Officially Recognized Senior Center, and Senior Citizen (60+).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Economic and Community Affairs Department