New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5801

Introduced
6/26/25  
Refer
6/26/25  
Report Pass
6/26/25  
Engrossed
6/30/25  
Enrolled
6/30/25  
Chaptered
6/30/25  

Caption

Appropriates $247,128,000 from "New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund"; establishes process for authorizing future appropriations for debt defeasance and capital projects.

Impact

The approval of A5801 signifies a considerable financial investment in state infrastructure, particularly within the corrections system. By replacing the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, which has been criticized for its conditions, the bill aims to address safety, rehabilitation, and operational concerns. Additionally, the process established within the bill ensures that future appropriations from the fund for capital projects will be meticulously reviewed and approved by the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC), fostering enhanced accountability in state spending.

Summary

Assembly Bill 5801 (A5801) addresses the allocation of funds from the 'New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund' for various important state initiatives. The bill appropriates a total of $247,128,000, with $222,000,000 designated for the design and construction of a new correctional facility aimed at replacing the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women. Furthermore, $25,128,000 is allocated to the Department of the Treasury for various capital construction projects as recommended by the New Jersey Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning. This significant investment reflects the state’s commitment to modernizing facilities and potentially enhancing operational efficiency within correctional institutions and other state facilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding A5801 appears to be generally positive among lawmakers, particularly those advocating for reform in the correctional system. Supporters of the bill highlight the need for updated facilities and view the funds as an essential step toward improving state operations and addressing modern needs. However, there may be some reservations from various stakeholders about the overarching impact of such investments on existing state debts and the efficiency of capital project approvals. These dialogues indicate a complex interplay between support for the bill’s goals and concerns about broader financial implications.

Contention

Notably, A5801 introduces a mechanism for the allocation of future funds from the 'New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund', which could spark discussions about state fiscal policies and priorities. Critics may question the effectiveness of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee's role, particularly regarding how projects are selected and funded. Moreover, the potential financial burden associated with the construction of the new facility, estimated at approximately $312 million, could lead to debates about the feasibility of executing multiple significant projects simultaneously without exacerbating state debt.

Companion Bills

NJ S4692

Same As Appropriates $247,128,000 from "New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund"; establishes process for authorizing future appropriations for debt defeasance and capital projects.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2541

Credits $2.35 billion to "New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund"; appropriates $4.32 billion to Department of Treasury to provide funds to municipalities and counties for debt retirement and avoidance.

NJ A4447

Establishes spending freeze for Fiscal Year 2027; requires excess revenues collected in FY2027 to be deposited in Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund.

NJ HF1389

State-owned land in the Cloquet Forestry Center transferred to the University of Minnesota, defeasance of outstanding debt on certain state bond financed property funding provided, and money appropriated.

NJ S4392

Establishes New Jersey Commission on Stalking Prevention and Response; makes appropriation of $93,500.

NJ A2083

Establishes New Jersey Center for Study and Prevention of Suicide at Rutgers School of Public Health; appropriates $500,000.

NJ HB2513

Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers.

NJ HF1389

Status in the House - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

NJ SB146

Appropriations from State General Fund for executive, legislative, and judicial agencies of the State, other functions of government, debt service, and capital outlay for fiscal year ending September 30, 2027

NJ HB218

Appropriations from State General Fund for executive, legislative, and judicial agencies of the State, other functions of government, debt service, and capital outlay for fiscal year ending September 30, 2027

NJ HB2434

Substitute for HB 2434 by Committee on Appropriations - Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.