SB 353 Summary

• Modifies eligibility for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, changing the definition of "eligible low-income household" from 150% of federal poverty guidelines (until September 30, 2025) to 60% of state median income (effective October 1, 2025), with eligibility also dependent on electric utility participation in low-income energy assistance funding.

• Establishes that the Department of Health and Human Services may incorporate categorical eligibility policies when verifying applicant eligibility, allowing households in other low-income assistance programs with similar criteria to qualify for energy assistance.

• Clarifies that energy providers are not required to verify applicant eligibility and that low-income energy assistance fund money must be used solely for energy assistance purposes.

• Requires the department to include clear performance metrics in contracts with entities providing energy assistance and to set minimum funding allocations for those entities.

• Mandates the department provide guidelines on self-sufficiency services by October 1, 2025, to be incorporated into performance metrics beginning with the 2026 program year.

• Makes this act contingent on the enactment of SB 880, SB 881, and HB 6075 from the 102nd Legislature.