NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S3113
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
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New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3113

Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
1/13/26  
Report Pass
3/5/26  

Caption

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

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding utility assistance, as it appropriates additional funds from the Universal Service Fund to bolster existing support services for residents struggling with utility costs. This supplemental funding aims to enhance the capacity of the NJSHARES program, which is critical for low- to moderate-income households facing challenges in managing their utility payments. By enabling quicker access to assistance, the bill seeks to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable populations.

Summary

Senate Bill S3113 aims to supplement the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act by making an off-budget appropriation of $10 million to the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program. This program is designed to provide utility payment assistance, including addressing utility arrearages for both homeowners and tenants throughout New Jersey experiencing financial difficulties. The bill emphasizes the need for expedient compliance with utility obligations by establishing criteria for grants to eligible participants.

Contention

Discussions around the bill may involve points of contention regarding the adequacy of the appropriated funds and the oversight of the program. Critics could argue whether $10 million is sufficient to meet the needs of all eligible homeowners and tenants or express concerns about the potential for duplicated benefits if recipients also access funds from other programs. Proponents may highlight the urgency and necessity of promptly supporting individuals facing utility crises, stressing the program's role in preventing service disconnections during economic hardships.

Latest NJ S3113 Activity

View All Events: NJ 2026-2027 Regular Session S3113

Companion Bills

NJ S4926

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

NJ A3612

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

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

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 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.