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Bill > S3113
NJ S3113
NJ S3113Supplements FY2026 Appropriations Act; makes $10 million off-budget appropriation to NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 $10 million to the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program, which provides utility payment assistance, including help with overdue bills (utility arrearage assistance). This funding comes from the Universal Service Fund, which is an "off-budget" source, meaning it's not part of the state's main budget. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to create rules and guidelines for awarding these grants quickly to eligible homeowners and tenants who are struggling to pay their utility bills. Importantly, individuals will not be eligible for these grants if they are already receiving or eligible for similar funding from private insurance or other sources, to prevent a "duplication of benefits" or receiving more assistance than needed. This is in addition to a previous $5 million appropriation from the General Fund for the same program in the original FY2026 appropriations act.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee (on 03/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3113 |
| Analysis - Technical Review Of Prefiled Bill | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3113_T1.PDF |
| Analysis - Statement SCU 3/5/26 | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3113_S1.PDF |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3113_I1.HTM |
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