Bill > HB2338

This bill authorizes "community scaled projects," which are weatherization efforts involving multiple homes in the same area that share common environmental, social, or economic challenges, as determined by the department of commerce. It amends existing laws to define these projects and allows sponsors to propose them for grant and matching funds, which can include weatherization, energy efficiency improvements, or structural repairs for multiple dwellings. The bill also specifies that proposals for community scaled projects can prioritize communities based on indicators like environmental health disparities and housing vulnerability, and that the department will consider socioeconomic data to prioritize proposals serving low-income areas. Importantly, the bill clarifies that while most weatherization funds are for low-income households, dwelling units within a community scaled project are an exception, and it also modifies the income threshold for prioritizing certain low-income households for weatherization unless they are part of a community scaled project. Finally, the bill requires the department to adopt rules to implement these provisions.