New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3113

Introduced

4/15/24

Introduced

1/13/26

Refer

4/15/24

Refer

1/13/26

Caption

Requires emergency shelters for the homeless to admit certain persons unless they pose danger.

Impact

The proposed bill is expected to have a significant impact on state efforts to support low-income individuals and families who are struggling to pay their utility bills. By providing more extensive funding through the NJSHARES program, it aims to mitigate financial burdens associated with utility costs, thereby improving housing stability for economically disadvantaged residents across the state. This aligns with broader goals of enhancing social services and fostering economic security for vulnerable populations.

Summary

Senate Bill S3113 aims to supplement the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act by appropriating an additional $10 million from the off-budget Universal Service Fund to the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program. This program is designed to provide utility payment assistance, specifically targeting homeowners and tenants who are experiencing financial difficulties. The administration of this program would be overseen by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, who is tasked with establishing criteria and guidelines for awarding grants efficiently to those eligible.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding S3113 appears to be supportive among legislators advocating for increased utility assistance programs. Proponents likely see this as a necessary response to ongoing economic challenges exacerbated by rising utility costs, particularly in the wake of financial difficulties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there may be concerns regarding budget allocations and potential reliance on off-budget funds.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding S3113 may revolve around the appropriateness of using off-budget funds for this purpose, as well as discussions about the effectiveness and efficiency of the NJSHARES program itself. Critics may voice apprehensions that reliance on such emergency measures does not adequately address systemic issues related to utility affordability and broader economic pressures faced by the population.

Latest NJ S3113 Activity

View All Events: NJ 2024-2025 Regular Session S3113

Companion Bills

NJ A4336

Same As Requires emergency shelters for the homeless to admit certain persons unless they pose danger.

NJ S2353

Carry Over Requires emergency shelters for the homeless to admit certain persons unless they pose danger.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4316

Requires emergency shelters for the homeless to admit certain persons unless they pose danger.

NJ S3113

Supplements FY2026 Appropriations Act; makes $10 million off-budget appropriation to NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program.

NJ S4167

Requires municipal participation in sheltering homeless individuals.

NJ S1108

Establishes grant program for homeless veterans shelters.

NJ A939

Establishes grant program for homeless veterans shelters.

NJ A4566

Requires municipal participation in sheltering homeless individuals.

NJ S3863

Makes FY2026 supplemental appropriation of $175 million from General Fund to DHS for Emergency SNAP Replacement Benefits.

NJ S4251

Requires Director of Division of Housing and Community Resources in DCA to establish program to reimburse municipality which provides services to nonresident homeless persons; requires participation in Homeless Management Information System; appropriates $10 million.

NJ A1779

Requires Homelessness Prevention Program agencies to remain open during public health emergency and provides for funding of each agency.

NJ S3051

Establishes Safe Haven Homeless Housing Program; appropriates $30 million.

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.