OLYMPIA – The Washington State House of Representatives today approved House Bill 1903, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena, to establish a low-income energy assistance program aimed at helping families afford basic utility costs.
To watch Rep. Mena’s floor remarks, click here or below:
Rep. Mena said the bill is rooted in a simple belief: no one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table.
“Access to heat and electricity isn’t a luxury — it’s a basic necessity,” Mena said. “When families are forced to choose between paying the power bill and paying for groceries or medicine, something is fundamentally wrong. This bill is about protecting dignity and making sure every Washingtonian can live safely and securely in their own home.”
House Bill 1903 establishes a statewide program within the Department of Commerce to provide ongoing energy bill assistance to eligible low-income households, helping reduce the share of income families spend on utilities. The program will work in partnership with gas and electric utilities to ensure assistance is reflected directly on customers’ monthly bills.
The Tacoma Democrat said this measure builds on her ongoing work to protect families from dangerous utility shutoffs during extreme weather.
In 2023, Mena sponsored legislation to prevent electric and water utilities from disconnecting service during extreme heat events — ensuring families would not lose access to essential utilities during life-threatening summer temperatures. That law complemented Washington’s longstanding winter protections against heat shutoffs during cold weather.
“We’ve taken steps to make sure families aren’t left in the cold or in dangerous heat,” Mena said. “Now we’re addressing the root issue — affordability. Because preventing shutoffs is critical, but true stability means making sure people can afford their energy bills in the first place.”
Mena said the legislation recognizes a simple reality: many low-income families are living in survival mode.
“Life is already hard for many Washingtonians,” Mena said. “When you’re worried about keeping the lights on, it affects everything — your health, your stress levels, your ability to plan for the future. This bill is about peace of mind. It’s about giving families a little breathing room so they can focus on living, not just surviving.”
The bill passed on a 60-33 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
###