MI HB4544

Establishes a home heating fuel cost credit for Michigan homeowners based on household income and number of exemptions, with credit amounts ranging from $272 to $601 plus $76 per exemption over 6.

Credits are distributed as energy drafts issued by the department to claimants or directly to their heating fuel providers, with remaining balances converted to negotiable checks after 1 year if unused.

Heating fuel providers regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission must notify customers by December 15 annually of credit availability and provide billing information needed to claim the credit.

For fiscal years 2014-2015 through 2016-2017, federal low-income home energy assistance program block grant funds for weatherization must be maintained between $5-6 million annually or at least 15% of total block grant funds, whichever is less.

Claimants must file credit claims on a separate form by September 30 following the tax year, and the credit is protected from interception or offset against other debts.