SB 36 Summary

• Authorizes electric and telephone cooperatives to offer members an opt-out charitable giving program that rounds monthly bills to the next whole dollar amount, with contributions not exceeding 99 cents per month.

• Requires cooperatives to clearly identify rounded amounts on billing statements and provide opt-out instructions available in-person, by mail, phone, or internet.

• Mandates that program proceeds be used only for public welfare or charitable, scientific, and educational purposes, excluding political purposes and individual profit.

• Allows members to claim full refunds of all contributions paid under the program for at least the three preceding years.

• Expands electric cooperative authority to assist members in acquiring and installing weatherization and energy efficiency products and services through financing and installation support.