Bill
Bill > A1976
NJ A1976
NJ A1976Expands Lifeline Credit and Tenants' Lifeline Assistance Programs to include assistance for water utility bill.
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 adds assistance for water utility bills to the Lifeline Credit Program, established pursuant to P.L.1979, c.197 (C.48:2-29.15 et seq.), and the Tenants' Lifeline Assistance Program, established pursuant to P.L.1981, c.210 et seq. (C.48:2-29.30 et seq.). Under current law, these programs provide a $225 benefit only on gas and electric utility bills to eligible customers who are participating in the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled Program (PAAD), receiving or eligible to receive benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program established pursuant to P.L.1973, c.256 (C.44:7-85), or receiving disability benefits under the federal Social Security Act and also meet eligibility requirements for PAAD. Under this legislation, these programs would be expanded to include water utility bills.
AI Summary
This bill expands the existing Lifeline Credit Program and the Tenants' Lifeline Assistance Program to include assistance for water utility bills, in addition to the current gas and electric utility bills. These programs, established by previous laws (P.L.1979, c.197 and P.L.1981, c.210), provide a benefit to eligible customers who are enrolled in or qualify for the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled Program (PAAD), receive or are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or receive disability benefits under the federal Social Security Act and meet PAAD's income and residency requirements. The bill specifies that one-third of the total annual credit will be applied to each of the gas, electric, and water utility bills, with provisions for combined bills from a single utility. The annual credit amount remains $200, with a potential increase to $225. The bill also updates reporting requirements and clarifies definitions for eligible tenants.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (2)
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/A1976 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1976_I1.HTM |
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