In enacting this article 8.5, the general assembly finds and declares that there is a need to make distributions of money to provide aid and assistance to the indigent, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, who do not otherwise have the financial resources to meet their heating and other energy needs. The general assembly further finds and declares that the low-income energy assistance program of the department of human services is the most appropriate entity to determine those most in need of such aid and assistance. Therefore, this article 8.5 authorizes the legislative commission on low-income energy and water assistance to establish a fund from which to collect and distribute money to accomplish the goals set forth in this section. The money for the fund must be funded in part by unclaimed utility deposits.
Source: L. 90: Entire article added, p. 1758, § 1, effective May 31. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 1671, § 90, effective July 1. L. 94: Entire section amended, p. 2719, § 304, effective July 1. L. 2021: Entire section amended, (HB 21-1105), ch. 488, p. 3508, § 18, effective September 7.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration contained in the 1994 act amending this section, see section 1 of chapter 345, Session Laws of Colorado 1994.