Bill
Bill > A3505
NJ A3505
NJ A3505Increases FY 2025 Grants-in-Aid appropriation to DCA for "NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program" by $5 million.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 appropriation for the "NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program" within the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) by $5 million, bringing the total to $10.5 million. The NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program provides utility payment assistance to homeowners and tenants across the state who are experiencing financial hardship. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to establish program rules and guidelines to ensure grants are awarded quickly to eligible individuals. Importantly, to qualify for this assistance, applicants cannot be receiving funds from private insurance or any other funding source that would duplicate benefits. The Commissioner is also authorized to manage this program by contracting with or delegating grant-awarding authority to private non-profit organizations or public agencies.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/A3505 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3505_I1.HTM |
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