4.__Coordination required.__The authority shall seek the advice and cooperation of the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Elder and Adult Services, Bureau of Family Independence and Bureau of Child and Family Services; advocates for elderly and low-income individuals; and other interested agencies and organizations in developing the application form and instructions for the program and the outreach plan required by subsection 3.

Sec. 2. 36 MRSA §6205, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 516, §§3 and 6, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

§6205.__One claim per household

One claim is allowed for a household or homestead per year for relief from property taxes under sections 6201 to 6220, except for the provisions of section 6201, subsection 2, and an additional claim is allowed for a household or homestead per year for relief from heating fuel costs under Title 30-A, section 4995, except for the provisions of Title 30-A, section 4995, subsection 1, paragraph B.

Sec. 3. Retroactive application. The assistance provided under this Act applies retroactively to December 1, 2002.

Sec. 4. Contingent effective date. This Act takes effect only if the State receives additional federal funding specifically targeting increased oil prices as a result of the war on terrorism.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved, except as otherwise indicated.

SUMMARY

This bill creates the Maine Heating Fuel Assistance Program to provide reimbursement for heating fuel costs to taxpayers. The Maine Heating Fuel Assistance Program is administered by the Maine State Housing Authority.