Key Votes
SB 203 - Establishes an Energy Assistance Program - Key Vote
Alaska Key Votes
Albert Kookesh voted Yea (Passage) on this legislation.
Read recent statements Albert Kookesh made in this general time period.
Stages
Family
Issues
Stage Details
Legislation - Referred to Committee (House) - April 10, 2012
Legislation - Bill Passed (Senate) (15-4) - April 9, 2012 (Key vote)
Title: Establishes an Energy Assistance Program
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).
Legislation - Introduced (Senate) - Feb. 17, 2012
Title: Establishes an Energy Assistance Program
Sponsors
- Joe J. Thomas (AK - D) (Out Of Office)
Co-sponsors
- Bettye J. Davis (AK - D) (Out Of Office)
- Dennis Egan (AK - D)
- Johnny Ellis (AK - D)
- Hollis S. French II (AK - D)
- David Guttenberg (AK - D)
- Bob Herron (AK - D)
- Lyman F. Hoffman (AK - D)
- Albert M. Kookesh (AK - D) (Out Of Office)
- Linda K. Menard (AK - R) (Out Of Office)
- Bob Miller (AK - D) (Out Of Office)
- Donald C. 'Donny' Olson (AK - D)
- Joe Paskvan (AK - D) (Out Of Office)
- James F. 'Pete' Petersen (AK - D) (Out Of Office)
- Gary L. Stevens (AK - R)
- Thomas H. 'Tom' Wagoner (AK - R) (Out Of Office)
