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Bill > S294


NJ S294

NJ S294
Requires Homelessness Prevention Program agencies to remain open during public health emergency and provides for funding of each agency.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires that one Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agency operates in certain populous counties and that all HPP agencies remain open during public health emergencies. Under the bill, "populous county" means any county with a population of 350,000 or more, according to the most recent federal decennial census. The bill specifically requires the Department of Community Affairs to provide funding to ensure that one agency is established in populous counties to help manage and implement the HPP within that populous county. Under the bill, if federal funding intended to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is not available to satisfy the full amount of establishing this agency within a populous county, then the Commissioner of Community Affairs is permitted to notify the State Treasurer and the Joint Budget Oversight Committee of the Legislature of the deficiency and to request that the Legislature appropriate a portion of the remainder from the General Fund, or other available State funding sources.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that agencies administering the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) must remain operational during any declared public health emergency, which is defined as a serious threat to public health like a natural disaster or bioterrorism, declared by the Governor. Furthermore, it requires that in counties with a population of 350,000 or more, referred to as "populous counties," the Department of Community Affairs must fund at least one agency to manage and implement the HPP. If federal funds, specifically those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, are insufficient to establish this agency in a populous county, the Commissioner of Community Affairs can inform the State Treasurer and the Joint Budget Oversight Committee of the shortfall and request state funds from the General Fund or other sources to cover the remaining costs.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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