| Notice Filed with SOS |
06/30/2020 |
| Rule |
ProposedRuleAttach2020-00453.doc |
| Statutory Authority |
§ 26-1-107, C.R.S. (2019); § 26-1-109, C.R.S. (2019); § 26-1-111, C.R.S. (2019); § 26-2-122.5, C.R.S. (2019); § 40-8.5-101, C.R.S. (2019); § 40-8.7-101, C.R.S. (2019), et seq; § 40-8.7-109, C.R.S. (2019) |
| Description of Subjects/Issues |
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is reviewed annually for updates that may be needed for the next benefit season, beginning November 1st. New rule changes proposed are:Annual update to the flat rate charts; Aligning the benefit calculation with a federal assurance to provide the highest benefit to the households with the lowest income and highest energy costs; Reduce barriers to applicants by easing restrictions on wood receipt requirements; Changing the application and eligibility period to the original program dates (pre-COVID-19); Allow for applicants to access the Crisis Intervention Program at the start of the Federal Fiscal Year (October 1); Provide clarification to counties/contractor when processing applications; To consider all types of home care assistance income as exempt when paid outside the home. NOTE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, it is anticipated that this meeting will take place entirely online. Please check here for any updates on location/connection: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs-boards-committees-collaboration/state-board-human-services |
| Purpose/Objective of Rule |
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. LEAP is reviewed annually for updates that may be needed for the next benefit season, beginning November 1st. New rule changes proposed are: Annual update to the flat rate charts; Align the benefit calculation with a federal assurance to provide the highest benefit to the households with the lowest income and highest energy costs; Reduce barriers to applicants by easing restrictions on wood receipt requirements; Change the application and eligibility period to the original program dates (pre-COVID-19); Allow for applicants to access the Crisis Intervention Program at the start of the Federal Fiscal Year (October 1); Provide clarification to counties/contractor when processing applications; To consider all types of home care assistance income as exempt when paid outside the home. |
| Basis And Purpose |
BasisAndPurposeAttachment2020-00453.doc
|
| Regulatory analysis |
RegulatoryAnalysisAttachment2020-00453.doc
|
| Comments |
CDHS holds two public hearings, an initial and final, for each proposed rule packet. The initial hearing allows the public an opportunity to submit written data, views, or arguments and to testify for or against the proposed rules. The Board does not vote on the proposed rule at the initial hearing, but asks CDHS to consider all public comment and discussion and, if needed, submit revisions to the proposed rule. The final hearing, usually the month following the initial hearing, allows the same opportunity for public comment, after which the Board votes on final adoption of the proposed rule. Please visit CDHS State Board website for meeting information.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs-boards-committees-collaboration/state-board-human-services |
| Submitted in response to issues raised by COLS/OLLS? |
No
|
| Is this rule adopted in response to recent legislation? |
No
|
| Hearing Date |
08/07/2020 |
| Hearing Time |
08:30 AM |
| Hearing Location |
Location Pending State's response to COVID-19. Likely to be held entirely online. See below for connection information. |
| Contact Name |
Theresa Kullen |
| Contact Title |
LEAP Manager |
| Contact Telephone |
303.861.0337 |
| Contact email |
theresa.kullen@state.co.us |