Bill > S405

This bill, the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, aims to amend the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to increase the availability of heating and cooling assistance for low-income households. Key provisions include: - Significantly increasing funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to $400 billion over 10 years, and providing an additional $1 billion per year for cooling assistance during heat waves. - Expanding eligibility for LIHEAP by increasing the income threshold to 250% of the poverty line or 80% of state median income, and prohibiting states from excluding households based on citizenship status. - Requiring states to allow self-attestation of eligibility criteria rather than requiring documentation, and to conduct outreach and make the program available year-round. - Placing conditions on home energy suppliers receiving LIHEAP funds, such as prohibiting late fees and shutoffs for assisted households. - Increasing funding for home weatherization programs to 25% of LIHEAP funds, with a focus on renewable energy and electrification. - Establishing a new grant program to support state and local plans to reduce energy burdens and promote a just transition away from fossil fuels. The overall goal is to make heating and cooling more affordable and accessible for low-income households, especially in the face of increasing extreme weather events due to climate change.