Bill
Bill > A6238
NJ A6238
NJ A6238Supplements FY2026 Appropriations Act; makes $10 million off-budget appropriation to NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program.
summary
Introduced
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
In Committee
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
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 adding an additional $10 million off-budget appropriation from the Universal Service Fund to the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program (Statewide Mandated Arrearage Reduction Strategy), which provides utility payment assistance to homeowners and tenants experiencing financial difficulties. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to develop program guidelines for awarding grants, with a key stipulation that recipients cannot be receiving funding from private insurance or other sources that would constitute a duplication of benefits. The program aims to help residential property occupants comply with their utility obligations by providing expeditious financial assistance. This appropriation is in addition to a previous $5 million allocation from the General Fund for the same program, and the bill will take effect immediately upon enactment.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (on 12/08/2025)
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/A6238 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6500/6238_I1.HTM |
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