HB 15-1338 Summary

• Creates a pilot "Lifeline Benefits Program" providing $30 one-time discounts on wireless phones and $13 monthly discounts on wireless service to low-income families receiving Colorado Works cash assistance.

• Eligible participants must be 18 or older, members of a Colorado Works assistance unit, and not already receiving program discounts; unemployed participants receive both discounts while employed participants receive the phone discount but have $13 deducted from their monthly cash assistance grant.

• Program discounts are not counted as income when determining eligibility for Colorado Works cash assistance; participating county departments determine applicant eligibility and use appropriate cash assistance funds to reimburse participating telecommunications carriers.

• State Department of Human Services administers the program in collaboration with county departments and participating telecom carriers; must report annually to legislative human services committees on participant numbers, geographic distribution, discount amounts, and reimbursements paid.

• Program expires July 1, 2020; unexpended funds transfer to general fund; act takes effect August 5, 2015, subject to referendum petition.