Bill > A4766

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the New Jersey Affordable Connectivity Program (program) in the Department of Human Services (department), which program provides discounts for broadband telecommunications service to low-income households and very low-income households. The department is required to enter into an agreement with broadband telecommunications service providers to offer discounted rate options of up to $30 off each broadband telecommunications bill for an eligible household. To qualify for the program, a household is required to submit an application to the department, in a form and manner determined by the department, that demonstrates the household is located in this State; is either a low-income household or a very low-income household; and is eligible based on any other criteria established by the department. The department is to approve applications for the program on a rolling basis and determine the amount, up to $30, each eligible household receives as a discount on the household's monthly bill. Upon approval by the department, an eligible household is to receive a discounted rate on the household's monthly bill from the partnered broadband telecommunications service provider. The eligible household is required to reapply each year. A broadband telecommunications service provider that has entered into an agreement with the department is to receive a subsidy for the provision of broadband telecommunications service, in the amount of up to $30 for each bill for each eligible household. Additionally, this bill makes an appropriation in the sum of $10 million from the General Fund to the department for the purpose of funding the program.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Lisa Swain (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (on 09/19/2024)

Official Document