Senate committee sends $40 million supplemental energy assistance bill to Finance after close roll call

The Senate Energy Committee voted on a roll call to recommend Senate File 4.86, a one‑time $40 million general fund appropriation to create a supplemental energy assistance program administered by the Department of Commerce and designed to work alongside the federal Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Senator Dibble, the bill’s sponsor, said the program would use existing EAP infrastructure and eligibility thresholds to reach more households year‑round, including crisis grants, repair and replacement funding for heating systems, outreach to underserved communities, and funds routed to vendors or utilities to ensure prompt help. Levinson Falk (Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota) gave examples of residents facing shutoffs and health risks and testified that the funding would provide immediate relief and long‑term pathways to stability. She told the committee: "No one wants to have their power shut off. No one wants to be hundreds or thousands of dollars in debt to the utilities."

Members extensively debated administrative set‑asides in the bill. Sponsors initially described a structure that could allow a substantial share for administration (discussed in committee as up to 17.5% total, composed of a 12.5% staffing element and other program costs). After questioning from multiple senators, the committee adopted an oral amendment changing mandatory language so the bill allows rather than requires administrative allocations and inserting "up to" caps (including up to 12.5% for certain staffing-related allocations) to limit the portion available for administration.

Following the amendment and further debate about the one‑time nature of the funding and program targets, a roll‑call vote was requested. The motion that SF 4.86 as amended be recommended to pass and be re‑referred to the Committee on Finance carried on roll call (6 yes, 5 no). The committee adjourned.

Next steps: the bill proceeds to the Finance Committee for consideration of appropriations and program details; members signaled intent to continue negotiating percentage caps and reporting requirements.