LIHEAP Parity Act

The LIHEAP Parity Act (S 1700) changes how states receive federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It removes a previous exception that allowed states to use different calculation methods, requiring instead that all states receive funding based on standardized, current data about poverty rates. The bill directs the Health and Human Services Secretary to issue regulations specifying exactly which data sources (like poverty statistics) will be used and how often they must be updated to ensure accurate funding allocations. This directly affects all 50 states and territories that administer LIHEAP, ensuring funds are distributed more uniformly based on up-to-date economic conditions.