This bill appropriates $4 million from New Jersey's General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to cover the state's portion of the local cost share required for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project on the Barnegat Peninsula in Ocean County. It directly affects Ocean County municipalities, which face an unaffordable $7.5 million local cost share for the project after federal funding covers most costs. The $4 million helps meet the state's obligation, enabling the project - scheduled for late 2022/early 2023 - to proceed and protect 14 miles of coastline from erosion and flooding. The funding is specifically for the state's share of the nonfederal cost, not the project's total expense.
This bill establishes a three-year Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program for high school students in New Jersey, appropriating $5 million from the General Fund. It provides grants to school districts to develop or expand career and technical education programs, acquire equipment/facilities, and train instructors. Five school districts per region (southern, central, northern) will be selected to participate, with all grantees required to submit annual impact reports. The program aims to strengthen vocational pathways for high school students through targeted school district support.
This bill requires all New Jersey state, county, private, and juvenile correctional facilities to provide free voice calls, video calls, and email services for incarcerated people. It eliminates all costs for both inmates and their families by banning per-minute charges (previously up to 11 cents), surcharges, commissions, or fees on these services. Facilities must maintain current access levels and transfer any remaining prepaid funds to inmates' commissary accounts. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to cover implementation costs and takes effect six months after enactment.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to immediately conduct bank stabilization projects on waterways experiencing significant erosion that has damaged homes or caused land loss, but only if the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has conducted flood control work upstream. It mandates the DEP to consult with local municipal engineers and affected homeowners during project planning and to expedite emergency permits under flood control laws. The bill appropriates $10 million from the state general fund specifically for these projects, with additional funding requests requiring immediate notification to budget officials if needed. It directly affects residents in flood-prone areas near waterways with upstream Corps of Engineers projects.
This bill requires all paid and volunteer firefighters in New Jersey municipalities within coastal zones to complete mandatory marine firefighting training. Firefighters must complete basic training within one year of the law's effective date, advanced training within two years of basic, and biennial in-service training thereafter. The law appropriates $140 million from the General Fund to fund the training programs and Coast Guard-approved courses developed by the Division of Fire Safety. It applies to all firefighters engaged in fire suppression or rescue in coastal communities, defined as those included in the state's Coastal Management program under federal law.
S 2122 establishes a program requiring New Jersey fire stations to serve as safe havens for victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence. Firefighters would receive specific training to refer victims to emergency shelters, legal aid, victim advocacy services, and community resources, while ensuring services are provided without discrimination based on citizenship status. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to the Human Trafficking Survivor’s Assistance Fund to implement this program, including firefighter training requirements and victim referral protocols. It directly affects victims of these crimes and firefighters who will facilitate access to critical support services.
This bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to Cranford Township for flood control projects. It directly affects residents and infrastructure in Cranford, Union County, by funding specific flood mitigation work. Key provisions include constructing a pumping station to divert stormwater into the Rahway River, upgrading storm sewers, developing wetland data, and elevating riverbank dikes. The funds are allocated under a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Environmental Protection for the Cranford Northeast Quadrant Flood Control Project. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.
This bill increases state funding by $1.5 million for the Center for Great Expectations in Somerset, raising its FY2024 appropriation from $500,000 to $2.0 million. The Center provides safe housing and support services to over 1,000 individuals annually, including homeless or economically marginalized people, pregnant or parenting individuals, and those with mental health or substance use challenges. The additional funds will directly support three key programs: the state's only residential program for adolescents with mental health disorders, an adult residential program for pregnant women, and outpatient mental health/substance abuse services. The bill amends the state's annual budget to adjust the funding line for this specific program.
This bill establishes the "Training Clinicians to Support Adults with Autism Workforce Development Program" at Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. It requires the program to recruit 8-10 students annually from diverse academic backgrounds (like psychology, social work, and education) who commit to careers supporting adults with autism, providing 20-40 hours weekly of hands-on clinical training, academic coursework, research opportunities, and a capstone project. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to fund the program’s creation and operation. The goal is to improve the quality of life for adults with autism in New Jersey by developing a specialized clinical workforce.
This bill adds $30 million from the General Fund to New Jersey's FY2026 budget for the Department of Agriculture's Food and Hunger Programs. The funds will be distributed to the state's six regional food banks, which collect surplus edible food and distribute it to local pantries and nonprofits serving vulnerable populations. These programs directly support low-income families, seniors, disabled individuals, and children who rely on food assistance. The funding provides immediate resources to maintain food distribution amid potential federal program disruptions, ensuring continued meal access for approximately 800,000 New Jersey residents.
