HS HCS SCS SB 810 -- UTILICARE PROGRAM; NURSING CARE PAYMENTS;
ZONING; ENERGY CONSERVATION LOAN PROGRAM

Currently, individuals must have a combined household income of
110% or less of the current federal poverty level to qualify for
the Utilicare Program.  This bill raises the eligibility level to
150% of the federal poverty level.  It also allows eligibility to
be based on household incomes that are 60% of the state median
income.  The bill also increases the annual amount that eligible
households can receive from the Utilicare Fund for heating and
cooling from $150 to $600.  The bill requires the Department of
Social Services to coordinate all federal programs into the
Utilicare Program.  It allows funds for the Utilicare Program to
come from any source, including federal funds from the federal
Community Opportunities Accountability and Training and
Educational Services Act; and it requires all funds to be used
for the Utilicare Program and for the federal Low Income Home
Energy Assistance Program.

The bill requires the transfer of natural gas or electric rate
refunds to the Utilicare Stabilization Fund if the refunds remain
unclaimed for five years.  Transferred funds that are not used
for heating or cooling assistance within one year revert to
general revenue.

The Division of Design and Construction is authorized to select
bid proposals for guaranteed energy cost savings contracts based
on a contractor's specialized experience and technical
competence, capacity and capability to perform the work, and past
performance record.

The bill requires the Division of Family Services to do a
division of assets for married couples when determining
eligibility for supplemental nursing care payments when one
spouse is living in a residential care facility.  It also allows
the Department of Health and Senior Services to retain legal
counsel on a case-by-case basis in order to expedite adult
guardianship cases.

The bill prohibits local entities from enacting zoning ordinances
that prevent the operation of certain businesses that use at
least 80% of their revenue for charitable purposes.

The bill also permits state colleges and universities to
participate in the Department of Natural Resources' energy
conservation loan program and increases the maximum allowable
payback period for loans from eight years to the greater of 10
years or 80% of the expected useful life of the project.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:04 am