This bill establishes a statewide program providing free legal counsel to income-eligible tenants facing eviction in New Jersey. It directly affects tenants with household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or those receiving specific public benefits like SNAP or housing vouchers. The program, funded by a $20 million appropriation from the General Fund, requires designated legal organizations to provide representation starting at the tenant's first court appearance in eviction cases. Courts must also provide plain-language notices about this right to tenants in covered proceedings.
S 3357 requires nonpublic secondary schools (grades 9-12) and independent colleges/universities in New Jersey to pay school districts for students living in tax-exempt housing owned by those institutions. The payment equals the district's per-pupil general fund local levy amount, calculated by dividing the district's total local levy by its resident enrollment. School districts must notify these institutions annually by November 1 of the required payment amount and student count, with institutions required to pay within 60 days. This applies only to students enrolled in public school districts or charter schools who reside in tax-exempt facilities on the nonpublic school or higher education institution's property.
This bill creates the New Jersey Revenue Advisory Board to provide annual forecasts of state revenue trends. The board, composed of the State Treasurer, Legislative Budget Officer, and four public members (including private sector and academic experts), must issue revenue forecasts by January 15 and May 15 each year for use in budget planning. It modifies the Governor’s budget presentation to require explanation of revenue projections that differ from the board’s forecasts and updates state revenue reporting requirements. The bill also mandates annual financial stress testing for state finances, affecting how the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies prepare and present the annual budget.
This bill increases state funding for the Center for Great Expectations in Somerset by $1.5 million, raising its FY2024 appropriation from $500,000 to $2 million. The Center provides housing and services to over 1,000 vulnerable individuals annually, including homeless people, pregnant or parenting individuals, and those with mental health or substance use challenges. The additional funds will specifically support its adolescent residential program (the state's only such program), adult residential services for pregnant women, and outpatient mental health/substance abuse programs. This budget amendment directly addresses current funding shortfalls for these critical services.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create a mobile cancer screening program within 180 days of enactment. The program will use staffed mobile vehicles deployed across the state, each carrying at least one qualified healthcare professional to conduct screenings based on their expertise and available equipment. The state allocates $100,000 from the General Fund to implement this program, with DOH mandated to submit a report on its results and recommendations within two years. The initiative directly affects underserved communities by increasing access to cancer screenings through mobile services.
This bill establishes a New Jersey State Government and Civil Service Student Internship Program within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. It targets undergraduate and graduate students (excluding law and doctoral programs) from accredited colleges, prioritizing New Jersey residents or students attending NJ institutions. Participants must complete 480 hours of work (240 hours per semester) with state agencies, working 20-40 hours weekly depending on class schedules, and receive a $2,500 stipend per 240 hours. Successful completers gain preference for entry-level civil service jobs within two years of graduation, with disabled veterans receiving highest priority. The program is funded by a $750,000 appropriation from the State General Fund.
This bill allocates an additional $500,000 from the General Fund to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce (NJSVCC). The funds must be used to support the NJSVCC's programs focused on veteran economic development, outreach, and skills training. The NJSVCC is a nonprofit organization that assists veteran-owned businesses, military spouses, and veterans through advocacy, networking, and job creation initiatives. This supplemental appropriation continues the state's annual funding for the NJSVCC, which previously received $500,000 in FY 2023. The bill directly supports veterans and veteran-owned businesses by enhancing their access to economic opportunities and workforce development resources.
This bill requires New Jersey to provide cost-of-living increases to retirees and beneficiaries in specific public pension systems (Teachers', Judicial, Public Employees', Police/Fire, and State Police Retirement Systems) whose monthly payments are at or below 150% of the federal poverty level for a single person. The increases, calculated as 100% of the Consumer Price Index change (instead of the previous 60%), apply only on January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024. The state will fund these adjustments through the General Fund, with annual certification of costs by pension authorities. Beneficiaries may voluntarily waive the increase or later reinstate it with 30 days' notice.
This bill (S 3290) establishes a one-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools (grades 6-12) to study whether lockable cell phone pouches improve student academic performance and mental health. School districts must apply with details about their schools, student enrollment, and implementation plans, and six districts will be selected (two per regional area) to participate. The program allocates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education for implementation, training, and a post-pilot report due within 120 days evaluating the program’s effectiveness. The bill directly affects participating school districts and aims to inform future policy decisions, not mandate phone pouch use.
This bill (A 3048) creates a state-funded grant program to help municipalities provide free transportation services for senior citizens (55+ years old) in New Jersey. Municipalities can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to establish or expand programs covering medical appointments, shopping, recreation, and other essential trips, without requiring seniors to pay costs. The Department of Human Services will manage applications, determine award amounts based on need and available funds, and report to the legislature on program usage within 30 days of the six-month application period. The $2.5 million appropriation expires 180 days after the reporting deadline, with unspent funds reverting to the state general fund.
