New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2877

Introduced
3/4/24  
Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
3/4/24  

Caption

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

Impact

The bill mandates that notification of at least 60 days must be given prior to the discontinuance of any State aid or services, with a heightened 90-day notice required for any aid or services linked to public health, safety, or welfare. This move is likely to create a more structured approach to discontinuation, facilitating better preparedness among beneficiaries. Exceptions to this requirement exist for emergencies or legal mandates, setting a framework that balances urgency with procedural fairness. This advance notice aims to lessen negative outcomes for those depending on these services.

Summary

Senate Bill S2877 requires all State agencies to provide advance written notice to affected parties before discontinuing any forms of State aid or State services. The bill defines 'State aid' broadly, encompassing financial assistance such as grants and subsidies, and 'State services' as programs and benefits offered by the State. Affected parties include individuals or organizations directly receiving such aid or services. The intent of the bill is to ensure transparency and adequate time for stakeholders to prepare for changes, particularly for services that impact public health and safety.

Sentiment

Feedback on S2877 appears to be predominantly positive, with many stakeholders acknowledging the necessity of advanced communication regarding State services. Lawmakers support the bill as a mechanism to promote responsible governance and informed public response to changes in aid. However, there are concerns regarding the exceptions provided, as they could potentially allow for last-minute changes that may still leave affected individuals without adequate preparation. This sentiment underscores the tension between necessary regulatory flexibility and the demand for consistency in service availability.

Contention

Discussion about this bill has raised points concerning the limitations imposed on State agencies’ ability to act swiftly in emergencies. Critics fear that the advance notice requirements could delay critical services in urgent situations, while proponents argue that transparency should precede all changes. The established procedures for notification aim to empower affected parties, yet the bill's effectiveness will largely depend on the execution of its requirements and the handling of exceptions, which could also lead to legal challenges if not properly managed.

Companion Bills

NJ A2470

Same As Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

NJ A3949

Carry Over Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

NJ S2744

Carry Over Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1257

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

NJ A1961

Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices.

NJ A1808

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

NJ S3223

Requires schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead every two years and install filters certified to reduce lead levels.

NJ S2877

Requires advance written notice before discontinuance of State aid or services.

NJ S2687

Requires Internet capable room temperature reporting device installation in certain multiple dwellings.

NJ S3911

Revises public institution of higher education annual reporting requirements.

NJ S2685

Requires school districts to provide instruction on menstrual health and hygiene as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ S1802

Requires artificial intelligence companies to conduct safety tests and report results to Office of Information Technology.

NJ S1203

Requires DOE and DCF to establish online reporting systems for schools and child care centers to report lead testing results.

Similar Bills

NJ S2877

Requires advance written notice before discontinuance of State aid or services.

NJ A4273

Requires advance written notice before discontinuance of State aid or services.

NJ S252

Requires advance notice of water supply discontinuations for non-payment of local government water bills; requires offer of payment plan in certain circumstances.

NJ S394

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.

NJ A1457

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.

CT HB06409

An Act Concerning Undue Delay In Workers' Compensation Claims.

NJ A1858

Requires certain telecommunications, cable television, and public utility service providers to notify BPU of service discontinuance to public entities 14 business days prior to shutoff.

NJ S2670

Prohibits electric, gas, or water public utility service discontinuances to residential customers during certain epidemics.