Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, there continues to be pressing energy conservation needs resulting from recent spikes in home heating prices and the realization that these prices may continue to increase; and

Whereas, the Task Force to Reduce the Burden of Home Heating Costs on Low-income Households has completed a comprehensive study of Maine's low-income heating assistance program; and

Whereas, the task force is offering recommendations to assist low-income and moderate-income citizens to annually prepare for severe winter heating seasons; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

PART A

Sec. A-1. 30-A MRSA §4992-A, as enacted by PL 1991, c. 858, §1, is amended to read:

§4992-A. Fuel Assistance Reserve Fund

1. Fuel Assistance Reserve Fund. If funds are appropriated pursuant to this section, the authority shall use the funds to establish and capitalize the Fuel Assistance Reserve Fund. The authority shall keep the Fuel Assistance Reserve Fund, referred to in this section as the "fund," separate from all other funds managed by the authority and use the fund only under the conditions set forth in this section. The authority shall use the Fuel Assistance Reserve Fund to ensure that fuel assistance benefits for the State's eligible elderly and low-income residents are available prior to the beginning of the heating season.