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Bill > A1779
NJ A1779
NJ A1779Requires Homelessness Prevention Program agencies to remain open during public health emergency and provides for funding of each agency.
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 requires that one Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agency operates in certain populous counties and that all HPP agencies remain open during public health emergencies. Under the bill, "populous county" means any county with a population of 350,000 or more, according to the most recent federal decennial census. The bill specifically requires the Department of Community Affairs to provide funding to ensure that one agency is established in populous counties to help manage and implement the HPP within that populous county. Under the bill, if federal funding intended to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is not available to satisfy the full amount of establishing this agency within a populous county, then the Commissioner of Community Affairs is permitted to notify the State Treasurer and the Joint Budget Oversight Committee of the Legislature of the deficiency and to request that the Legislature appropriate a portion of the remainder from the General Fund, or other available State funding sources.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that agencies administering the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) must remain operational during any declared public health emergency, which is defined as a serious health threat like bioterrorism, natural disasters, or chemical/nuclear incidents that could cause widespread illness or death. Furthermore, for counties with a population of 350,000 or more, referred to as "populous counties," the Department of Community Affairs is required to provide funding to ensure at least one HPP agency is established to manage the program within that county. If federal funds, specifically those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, are insufficient to fully fund the establishment of an agency in a populous county, the Commissioner of Community Affairs can inform the State Treasurer and the Joint Budget Oversight Committee of the shortfall and request that the Legislature allocate money from the General Fund or other state sources to cover the remaining costs.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (7)
Shama Haider (D)*,
William Sampson (D)*,
Anthony Verrelli (D)*,
Yvonne Lopez (D),
Annette Quijano (D),
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D),
Gabriel Rodriguez (D),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing 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/A1779 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1779_I1.HTM |
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