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BILL ANALYSIS |
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By: Lucio III |
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Energy Assistance Section in Texas administers two federally-funded programs through subrecipient agencies. These programs are the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). CEAP provides heating and cooling home energy assistance and the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low Income Persons (WAP) is designed to promote energy efficiency in the residences of low income Texans.
Currently, these programs require that subrecipients produce outreach materials in either English or Spanish. The purpose of H.B. 434 is to require that all outreach materials be produced in English and Spanish. This change will ensure that appropriate outreach activities to the Spanish-speaking community in Texas are made by these programs. Ensuring that all low-income communities in Texas are aware of the services offered by these two programs is a step towards increasing energy efficiency in Texas.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 2306.097 of the Government Code by adding Subsection (b) which requires that all applications, forms, and educational materials for the Energy Crisis Intervention Program, weatherization program, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program be provided in English, Spanish, and any other appropriate language.
SECTION 2. This act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 29, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
EFFECTIVE DATE
If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.