IL SB0197

Creates the Home Heating Rebate Program administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide rebates to households using natural gas or propane for heating with median household income between 200% and 400% of federal poverty guidelines.

Transfers $500,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund to the newly created Home Heating Rebate Relief Fund for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 to distribute rebates to qualifying households as soon as practicable after program implementation.

Directs the Department to establish program participation qualifications through emergency rules, which may include requirements from the Energy Assistance Act and other criteria.

Allows any remaining funds at the end of the second month following program implementation to be awarded to qualifying first-time small business owners as determined by the Department.

Becomes effective immediately upon enactment.