Bill
Bill > A1198
NJ A1198
NJ A1198Requires reservation of portion of funding under State rental assistance program for households ineligible for federal Section 8 program due to leave resulting from pregnancy or newborn care needs.
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 the Commissioner of Community Affairs to reserve a portion of the funds available through the State rental assistance program (SRAP) to provide assistance for households that are unable to participate in the federal Section 8 program due to time taken off from work or community service responsibilities as a result of a pregnancy or the need to care for an infant under six months old. Federal law requires that residents of housing supported by the federal Section 8 program, who do not qualify for an exemption, contribute certain community service hours each month. Exemptions from this requirement include engagement in 30 hours per week of employment activities, status as a senior citizen, and disability. Pregnancy and parental leave only qualify for an exemption in certain limited circumstances. This bill is meant to establish an alternative housing support option, through the State-funded SRAP program, for households experiencing pregnancy or the need to care for a newborn.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to set aside a portion of the funding for the State rental assistance program (SRAP) to help households that are temporarily unable to participate in the federal Section 8 program because they have taken time off from work or community service due to pregnancy or to care for a newborn under six months old. The federal Section 8 program, which provides housing assistance, typically requires recipients to complete a certain number of community service hours each month, with limited exemptions for things like full-time employment, senior status, or disability; pregnancy and parental leave are not always recognized as valid reasons to be exempt from these hours, which can make it difficult for new parents to maintain their eligibility for federal assistance. Therefore, this bill creates an alternative state-funded option through SRAP to support these families during a critical time.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (1)
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/A1198 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1500/1198_I1.HTM |
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