Bill
Bill > S4926
NJ S4926
NJ S4926Supplements FY2026 Appropriations Act; makes $10 million off-budget appropriation to NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program.
summary
Introduced
12/04/2025
12/04/2025
In Committee
12/04/2025
12/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill supplements the FY2026 Appropriations Act to include language appropriating an additional $10 million from the off-budget Universal Service Fund to the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program for utility payment assistance, including utility arrearage assistance. The FY2026 Appropriations Act made a $5 million appropriation from the General Fund for the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to design and establish program criteria and guidelines consistent with the bill to award grants to eligible homeowners and tenants in an expeditious manner to enable them to comply with their utility 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, which may be considered a duplication of benefits.
AI Summary
This bill supplements the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act by providing an additional $10 million from the Universal Service Fund to the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program (which stands for Statewide Mobilization for Assistance, Relief, and Transition), specifically for utility payment assistance. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to create guidelines for awarding grants to homeowners and tenants experiencing financial difficulties, with the goal of helping them meet their utility obligations. An important eligibility requirement is that recipients cannot receive funding from private insurance or other sources that would be considered a duplication of benefits. This appropriation is in addition to a previous $5 million allocation from the General Fund, and the funds can be used for various types of utility assistance, including helping to pay utility arrearages (past-due utility bills). The bill will take effect immediately upon enactment, providing timely financial relief to residents struggling with utility payments.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 12/04/2025)
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/S4926 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4926_I1.HTM |
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