Unclaimed utility deposits would go to bolster the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program under a bill (SB 100) approved unanimously Monday by the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee. Under current law, that money goes into a school trust fund. The low income energy program subsidizes utility bills for eligible people.

"Elderly and low-income residents who are in crisis should not be forced to choose between keeping their lights on and buying groceries or refilling prescriptions," said Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, the sponsor of the bill. "It makes sense to put these unclaimed utility dollars to use to help provide utilities."

The bill now goes to the Senate Environmental Preservation Committee. A House version (HB 229) by Rep. Barbara Watson, D-Miami Gardens, has yet to get a hearing in that chamber.

– The News Service of Florida