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Bill > A3124
NJ A3124
NJ A3124Establishes NJ Affordable Connectivity Program to provide discounted broadband services to certain households; appropriates $10 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 establishes the New Jersey Affordable Connectivity Program (program) in the Department of Human Services (department), which program provides discounts for broadband telecommunications service to low-income households and very low-income households. The department is required to enter into an agreement with broadband telecommunications service providers to offer discounted rate options of up to $30 off each broadband telecommunications bill for an eligible household. To qualify for the program, a household is required to submit an application to the department, in a form and manner determined by the department, that demonstrates the household is located in this State; is either a low-income household or a very low-income household; and is eligible based on any other criteria established by the department. The department is to approve applications for the program on a rolling basis and determine the amount, up to $30, each eligible household receives as a discount on the household's monthly bill. Upon approval by the department, an eligible household is to receive a discounted rate on the household's monthly bill from the partnered broadband telecommunications service provider. The eligible household is required to reapply each year. A broadband telecommunications service provider that has entered into an agreement with the department is to receive a subsidy for the provision of broadband telecommunications service, in the amount of up to $30 for each bill for each eligible household. Additionally, this bill makes an appropriation in the sum of $10 million from the General Fund to the department for the purpose of funding the program.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the New Jersey Affordable Connectivity Program within the Department of Human Services to help low-income households, defined as those earning 50% or less of the area median income, and very low-income households, defined as those earning 30% or less of the area median income, afford broadband internet service. The program will provide discounts of up to $30 per month on broadband bills for eligible households who apply and are approved by the department on a rolling basis, with very low-income households potentially receiving larger discounts. Internet service providers that partner with the state will receive subsidies to cover these discounts, and households will need to reapply annually. The bill also appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services to launch and fund this program, which will take effect six months after enactment.
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/A3124 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3124_I1.HTM |
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