Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Energy Assistance Program.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Energy Assistance Program, which issues 1 energy voucher per adult or qualified emancipated minor who does the following (Sec. 1):
• In 2011, applied for the permanent dividend fund and was eligible for the fund in 2012; or
• Didn't apply for the permanent dividend fund but certifies that he or she is eligible.  

• Authorizes individuals to redeem energy vouchers for the monetary equivalents of the following units of energy (Sec. 1):
• 250 gallons of heating oil;
• 35,000 cubic feet of natural gas;
• 31,000,000 British thermal units, hot water or steam district heat; or
• 1,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity.

• Establishes certain regulations relating to the voucher including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):
• The voucher is nontransferable and may not be sold;
• The voucher must be redeemed with a qualified energy provider;
• The voucher may not be split among multiple energy providers;
• The voucher will be invalidated if it has not been submitted to an energy provider within 4 months of its issue date; and
• The voucher can be used only to heat the primary physical residence of the recipient in the state of Alaska.

• Authorizes renters who do not pay directly for heat, fuel, or electricity in their primary physical residence, or individuals who do not have access to a qualified distributor to claim either of the following (Sec. 1):
• A replacement voucher in the landlord's name, which the landlord must use to deduct money from rent; or 
• A check of $250, provided that the individual certifies that the voucher will only be used to pay for rent, energy, or heating costs.

• Requires individuals or qualified distributors who have been convicted of a crime related to the energy voucher, including but not limited to, forgery or false statements, to forfeit the voucher, and specifies that the individual is not eligible for a future permanent fund dividend (Sec 1).

• Specifies that a voucher is not considered income for the purpose of determining eligibility for public assistance (Sec 1). 

Full Bill Text