NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A3505
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
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New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3505

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Increases FY 2025 Grants-in-Aid appropriation to DCA for "NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program" by $5 million.

Impact

The funding increase is directed toward the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which supervises the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program. It mandates that the commissioner establish appropriate criteria and guidelines for the awarding of grants, enhancing the accessibility of this financial assistance. By allocating more funds, the bill aims to mitigate the adverse effects of high utility costs on vulnerable populations, ensuring that those unable to pay their utility bills receive the help they need.

Summary

Bill A3505 seeks to amend the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Act by increasing the Grants-in-Aid appropriation for the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program by $5 million, raising it from $5.5 million to $10.5 million. This increase is specifically aimed at providing utility assistance to homeowners and tenants across New Jersey who are facing financial difficulties. The intention behind the bill is to ensure that residents can meet their utility obligations even during challenging economic times, thereby promoting stability within communities.

Conclusion

Ultimately, A3505 represents an effort to support residents in New Jersey amid increasing living costs. It emphasizes the state's commitment to helping vulnerable populations, particularly in the realm of utility expenses. The discussion surrounding this bill may hinge on broader themes such as fiscal responsibility, social safety nets, and the role of state government in aiding residents facing economic hardship.

Contention

While some advocates may view the infusion of additional resources as a positive step toward social equity, there could be contention among legislators regarding the financial implications of increasing appropriations. The bill does specify that in order to qualify for this funding, applicants may not have access to duplicate benefits, which is a point that may generate discussion on eligibility and the distribution of resources for those in need.

Latest NJ A3505 Activity

View All Events: NJ 2026-2027 Regular Session A3505

Companion Bills

NJ A5180

Carry Over Increases FY2025 Grants-in-Aid appropriation to DCA for "NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program" by $5 million.

NJ S4214

Carry Over Increases FY2025 Grants-in-Aid appropriation to DCA for "NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program" by $5 million.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

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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 SB280

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 SB1161

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; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments 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.