Minimum staffing requirements for low-income home energy assistance

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 2613. Staffing (a) In general The Secretary shall employ at least 20 staff who carry out this title. (b) Limitation on employment of contractors Except as provided in subsection (c)(2), no more than 40 percent of staff who carry out this title may be contractors. (c) Emergency staffing (1) In general In the case of an emergency determined under section 2603(1)(C), (E), (F), or (G), the Secretary shall employ at least 30 staff who carry out this title during the period— (A) beginning not later than 45 days after the date of such determination; and (B) ending no earlier than 180 days after the date of such determination. (2) Employment of contractors The Secretary may hire contractors to comply with the requirements of paragraph (1) in a number that exceeds the limitation set forth in subsection (b)..