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Bill > A5180
NJ A5180
NJ A5180Increases FY2025 Grants-in-Aid appropriation to DCA for "NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program" by $5 million.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill amends the FY 2025 Appropriations Act to increase the Grants-in-Aid appropriation to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program by $5 million, from $5.5 million to $10.5 million, to fund utility assistance for homeowners and tenants of residential property throughout the State suffering financial difficulties. The bill directs the commissioner to design and establish program criteria and guidelines consistent with the bill in order to award grants to eligible homeowners and tenants in an expeditious manner to enable them to comply with their utilities obligations. To be eligible for a grant under this program a homeowner or tenant may not be eligible for, or a recipient of funding from, private insurance or from any other available funding opportunity. The bill authorizes the commissioner to implement this program through the award of contracts, or through the delegation of its authority to award grants, to private nonprofit organizations, public agencies, or both.
AI Summary
This bill increases the Fiscal Year 2025 Grants-in-Aid appropriation for the Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program by $5 million, raising the total funding from $5.5 million to $10.5 million. The additional $5 million will be sourced from the Universal Service Fund and dedicated to providing utility payment assistance to homeowners and tenants experiencing financial difficulties across New Jersey. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to develop program criteria and guidelines for awarding grants, with the goal of helping eligible residents meet their utility obligations. To receive a grant, applicants must not be eligible for or already receiving funding from private insurance or other funding sources to prevent benefit duplication. The commissioner can implement the program by either directly awarding contracts or delegating grant authority to private nonprofit organizations, public agencies, or a combination of both. The act will take effect immediately upon enactment.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (on 01/14/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5180 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5180_I1.HTM |
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