This bill establishes the Governor's Survivor Leader Advisory Council within New Jersey's Department of Health to address human trafficking risks associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The council, composed of nine members including trafficking survivors and a law enforcement officer, will evaluate existing laws, review assistance programs, develop public awareness campaigns (including toll-free hotline signage), and submit a report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 180 days. The bill appropriates $1 million from the state's General Fund to fund the council's operations, with the council's work ending upon report submission or one year after the World Cup, whichever occurs later. This directly affects New Jersey's state response to trafficking during the event, focusing on prevention, victim support, and coordination.
This bill appropriates an additional $500,000 from the General Fund to the Main Library Alliance for library services. The funding supports the nonprofit organization’s work providing shared resources, technology, and programming to over 50 public libraries across five counties (Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren). The Main Library Alliance serves more than 700,000 patrons in 100+ municipalities through its member libraries. The bill directly affects these libraries and their communities by enabling continued access to library services and resources.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access at state-owned lakes where boating is permitted, within two years of enactment. The DEP must either build access points or contract with private marinas via public bidding to ensure the public can launch boats with or without motors. It appropriates $1 million from the state General Fund specifically to fund this access. The law directly affects public boaters seeking access to lakes like Greenwood Lake, which currently lacks public boat launches as private marinas restrict or eliminate day-use access.
This bill appropriates $125 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NJAHTF), restoring funding that was previously diverted under the 2026 State Budget. The funds will be used to award grants and loans for affordable housing projects and programs in municipalities that have certified compliance with their fair share housing plans. It directly affects eligible municipalities and housing developers working on projects meeting state housing requirements. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill establishes a three-year grant program (the "UNITY Grant Program") administered by New Jersey's Commissioner of Education. It provides grants to school district employees facing adverse situations (as defined by the commissioner) to cover free or low-cost preschool or higher education costs for their dependents. Employees must apply through the commissioner, who determines grant amounts and may offer multi-year awards. The program requires a final report to the governor and legislature detailing implementation, participant numbers, and recommendations for future use. Funding comes from the state General Fund.
This bill appropriates $17 million from the General Fund to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for fiscal year 2023. It establishes a grant program to assist qualified entities - including lake commissions (like Greenwood Lake and Lake Hopatcong), local governments, and nonprofits - focusing on lake management for recreation and conservation. Grants prioritize projects improving water quality, preventing harmful algal blooms, increasing public access, and controlling pollution that affects lake use. The DEP must develop application criteria and administer the program, with funds limited to eligible lake management activities.
This bill adds $10 million from the off-budget Universal Service Fund to the NJSHARES-S.M.A.R.T. Program for utility payment assistance in New Jersey's fiscal year 2026. It directly helps low-income homeowners and renters facing financial hardship by providing grants to cover past-due utility bills (arrearages) and ongoing payments. The program requires applicants not to receive duplicate benefits from private insurance or other existing aid programs. The funding supplements a prior $5 million General Fund appropriation for the same program, directing the Commissioner of Community Affairs to establish quick-processing guidelines for eligible residents.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to promote state-produced aquaculture products (farmed fish and shellfish raised in New Jersey waters) through the existing Jersey Fresh Program. It mandates the department to create a specific quality grading system for these products - distinct from wild-caught seafood - and allocate $25,000 annually from the General Fund to fund advertising and promotion. The program will apply only to aquaculture products meeting state quality standards, expanding Jersey Fresh's current focus on locally grown produce. This change directly affects New Jersey aquaculture producers seeking to market their products under the state's agricultural branding initiative.
This bill establishes the "South Jersey Community Resilience Center" in Atlantic City to serve LGBTQIA+ residents across eight South Jersey counties, who currently lack dedicated community resources. It allocates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services for the center’s operation, which will provide mental health workshops, peer support groups, LGBTQIA+-specific healthcare resources, and a safe space for community events. The center will partner with health organizations to reduce barriers to services like healthcare and advocacy while fostering belonging. The bill is pending in the Assembly Health Committee as of January 2026.
This bill allocates $250,000 from the General Fund to the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) for pediatric clinical services at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University. The funds directly support diagnostic assessments, counseling, and therapy for children with Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders, particularly those from families with financial need. The clinic provides these services to children aged 5-14, aligning with CDC data showing 1 in 50 children in this age group experience persistent tic disorders.
