Bill
Bill > A3612
NJ A3612
NJ A3612Supplements FY2026 Appropriations Act; makes $10 million off-budget appropriation to NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program.
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
The bill supplements the FY2026 Appropriations Act to include language appropriating an additional $10 million from the off-budget Universal Service Fund to the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program for utility payment assistance, including utility arrearage assistance. The FY2026 Appropriations Act made a $5 million appropriation from the General Fund for the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to design and establish program criteria and guidelines consistent with the bill to award grants to eligible homeowners and tenants in an expeditious manner to enable them to comply with their utility 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, which may be considered a duplication of benefits.
AI Summary
This bill supplements the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act by directing an additional $10 million to be appropriated from the Universal Service Fund, which is a fund not included in the regular government budget (off-budget), to the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program. This program provides utility payment assistance, including help with overdue utility bills (utility arrearage assistance), to homeowners and tenants facing financial hardship. The Commissioner of Community Affairs is tasked with creating specific rules and guidelines for awarding these grants quickly to eligible individuals so they can meet their utility payment obligations, with the condition that applicants cannot receive funding if they are already covered by private insurance or other funding sources to prevent receiving duplicate benefits.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (10)
Lou Greenwald (D)*,
Robert Karabinchak (D)*,
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)*,
Joe Danielsen (D),
Kevin Egan (D),
Shama Haider (D),
Carol Murphy (D),
Gerry Scharfenberger (R),
Shanique Speight (D),
Jerry Walker (D),
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
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A3612 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3612_I1.HTM |
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