New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2991

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years; prohibits anticipation of certain revenue in municipal budget; requires additional aid be subtracted from municipal property tax levy.

Impact

The bill proposes to increase municipal aid by an amount equivalent to 50% of the difference between the amounts distributed in fiscal years 2008 and 2012, with full restoral beginning in fiscal year 2024. This effectively establishes a more robust safety net for local governments, allowing them to better manage their financial obligations without excessively increasing local tax rates. Furthermore, the bill extends protections known as the 'poison pill,' guaranteeing that no municipality will receive less aid than they did in 2012, fostering improved budgetary stability across municipalities.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2991 aims to enhance the financial support provided to municipalities in New Jersey by increasing the distribution of funds from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over a two-year period. This bill is especially significant as it seeks to restore some of the municipal aid that was reduced during the fiscal constraints experienced from 2009 to 2011. Specifically, this supplemental funding is estimated to restore around $331 million in reductions to both the Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid (CMPTRA) and the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid (ETR Aid).

Contention

One notable aspect of A2991 is its stipulation that municipalities cannot anticipate the receipt of these additional state funds when preparing their annual budgets. This prohibition aims to ensure responsible fiscal planning and accountability. By mandating that any additional ETR aid received be deducted from the municipality’s adjusted tax levy for the next fiscal year, it encourages responsible tax levying practices, which may prompt discussions about financial management strategies among local governments.

Companion Bills

NJ S1387

Same As Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years; prohibits anticipation of certain revenue in municipal budget; requires additional aid be subtracted from municipal property tax levy.

NJ S330

Carry Over Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years; prohibits anticipation of certain revenue in municipal budget; requires additional aid be subtracted from municipal property tax levy.

NJ A3804

Carry Over Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years; prohibits anticipation of certain revenue in municipal budget; requires additional aid be subtracted from municipal property tax levy.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2444

Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years; prohibits anticipation of certain revenue in municipal budget; requires additional aid be subtracted from municipal property tax levy.

NJ A3145

Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over five years to restore municipal aid reductions; requires additional aid to be subtracted from municipal property tax levy.

NJ S1754

Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years; prohibits anticipation of certain revenue in municipal budget; requires additional aid be subtracted from municipal property tax levy.

NJ A637

Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected permanent disability and proclaims that the State shall reimburse municipalities for cost of exemption.

NJ A836

Revises Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid program; requires all energy taxes to be paid directly to municipalities.

NJ ACR53

Amends Constitution to require Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Act aid and Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid programs be fully funded each year, with dedicated amounts distributed to municipalities.

NJ A2354

Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities.

NJ A1488

Makes total property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans retroactive to effective date of determination of total disability; requires State to reimburse municipalities for reimbursement of property taxes paid to veteran.

NJ S2507

Revises Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid program; requires all energy taxes to be paid directly to municipalities.

NJ A1209

Eliminates Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid and Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid; establishes Municipal Property Tax Relief Fund.

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