House Bill 609 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rex ReynoldsRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Weatherization assistance; authorize ADECA to contract with certain nonprofit corporations to administer program; source of funds to Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund expanded; household income threshold to qualify for assistance revised

Summary

HB609 would raise the weatherization income limit to 200% of poverty, allow nonprofit groups to administer the program, and expand funding for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund.

What This Bill Does

The bill increases the eligibility threshold for weatherization assistance from 125% to 200% of the poverty level. It authorizes ADECA to contract with certain nonprofit organizations to run the weatherization program instead of only using designated community action agencies or county governments. It broadens the sources of money that can go into the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund and sets governance rules, including an admin cost limit and required reporting. The changes would become effective June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Low- and moderate-income households (up to 200% of the poverty level) that qualify for weatherization assistance will have access expanded.
• ADECA, designated community action agencies, county governments, nonprofit organizations, and statewide resiliency organizations involved in administering and funding the weatherization program under the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund.

Key Provisions

• Raise the eligible household income threshold for weatherization assistance to 200% of the poverty level.
• Authorize ADECA to contract with qualifying nonprofit corporations to administer the weatherization program.
• Expand permissible sources of monies for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund (tax payments, legislative appropriations, other revenue, private donations, gifts/grants, interest, etc.).
• Require that fund monies not revert to the General Fund at year end and limit administrative costs to 10% of fund monies.
• Define statewide resiliency organizations with criteria (501(c)(3), focus on resiliency/energy efficiency/safety for low/moderate income housing, conflict-of-interest policy, participation in large-scale programs, ability to leverage funds).
• Require an annual report from the director by October 15 detailing funds collected and distributed and other requested information.
• Effective date: June 1, 2026, and amendments to Sections 41-23-100 and 41-23-101.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Economic Development