Bill > S4709

This bill requires state agencies to automatically enroll eligible households into utility bill payment assistance programs that provide "ongoing assistance," meaning aid that doesn't expire based on a set amount or time limit, and specifically includes programs like the Winter Termination Program and Summer Termination Program. The Department of Human Services will share information about recipients of needs-based public assistance programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Work First New Jersey, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), with the Department of Community Affairs and the Board of Public Utilities. These agencies will then use this information to automatically enroll qualifying households into programs like the Universal Service Fund, the Winter Termination Program, and the Summer Termination Program, ensuring they receive continuous support for their utility bills, rather than one-time grants. The bill also mandates that these agencies establish necessary rules and regulations to implement these automatic enrollment procedures.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4709