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).