Prohibits electric, gas, or water public utility service discontinuances to residential customers during certain epidemics.
Impact
If enacted, S1095 is expected to enhance the state's economic development strategies by providing reduced interest rate loans and additional tax credits for eligible businesses. The bill expands eligibility under the Grow New Jersey Assistance Program and introduces a new tax credit bonus, which is structured to incentivize job creation and capital investment specifically in proximity to military installations. These measures aim to stimulate growth and innovation that directly benefit both the local economy and military operations.
Summary
Senate Bill S1095, also known as the Military Installations Business Incentive Act, aims to encourage businesses to undertake innovative projects that support the missions and operations of military installations in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill establishes various incentives for businesses engaging in projects related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or research and development (R&D) within a five-mile radius of military sites. This involves modifications to existing state business incentive programs to align with recommendations from a 2015 state report on military facility growth and development.
Sentiment
The discussion surrounding S1095 has been largely positive, with support from various business groups and military advocates who view the bill as a means of bolstering the state's economy through the leveraging of military presence. However, there are nuances in the sentiment, with some community members voicing concerns over whether the bill sufficiently addresses local business needs and equitable growth beyond the selected areas close to military installations.
Contention
Despite the enthusiasm for S1095, debates have emerged regarding the bill's focus on military-associated projects potentially sidelining other vital sectors of the economy. Critics argue that while the incentives may benefit select businesses, they may not adequately consider the broader economic landscape or alternative avenues for generating statewide growth. The contention revolves around finding a balance between supporting military needs and ensuring comprehensive economic progress across New Jersey's diverse business community.
Carry Over
Requires school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of texting while driving as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.
Requires BPU to prohibit electric and gas public utilities from charging residential customers certain types of payments based on certain billing practices.
Prohibits electric and gas public utilities from collecting payment from residential budget billing plan customers whose service was interrupted as a result of major emergency event.
Requires BPU to prohibit electric and gas public utilities from charging residential customers certain types of payments based on certain billing practices.
Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service during coronavirus 2019 state of emergency; requires those utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for those services.
Prohibits electric public utilities from billing customers for certain services during service interruptions and requires repair of certain street lights.
Prohibits electric public utilities from billing customers for certain services during service interruptions and requires repair of certain street lights.
Requires electric public utility to charge residential rate for service used by residential customer for electric vehicle charging at charging stations within certain designated parking spaces.
Prohibits public utilities from discontinuing residential electric, gas, water, and sewer service after expiration of coronavirus public health emergency; requires public utilities to implement deferred payment agreements for services.