Eliminating asset limit in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

(a) Elimination of limitations on allowable financial resources Section 2605(b)(2) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624(b)(2)) is amended, in the matter following subparagraph (B), by inserting, and agrees that the State may not exclude a household from eligibility in a fiscal year solely or partially on the basis of the assets of 1 or more members of the household before the semicolon. (b) Delay permitted if State legislation required (1) In general In the case of a State plan under section 2605 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624) that the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines requires State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) in order for the plan to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendment made by this section, the State plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply with the requirements of such section 2605 solely on the basis of the failure of the plan to meet those additional requirements before the first day of the first calendar quarter that begins after the close of the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) 2-year legislative session For purposes of paragraph (1), in the case of a State that has a 2-year legislative session, each year of the session shall be considered to be a separate regular session of the State legislature.