Budget & Taxes (Appropriations)

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4290: Makes supplemental appropriation of $5 million from General Fund to entity authorized to operate public broadcasting system to support public broadcasting.

This bill appropriates an additional $5 million from the state's General Fund to support public broadcasting in New Jersey. The funds are designated for the non-profit entity authorized to operate the public broadcasting system, specifically to help cover programming costs. Before the money is released, the Public Broadcasting Authority and the operating entity must sign a memorandum of understanding that ensures the funds are used solely for public broadcasting purposes. This supplemental appropriation is intended to provide extra financial resources for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to support public broadcasting, directly increasing funding for a public service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4370: Makes supplemental appropriation of $1 million to DVA for suicide prevention training for personnel at State-run veterans' facilities.

This New Jersey bill allocates an additional $1 million from the state's General Fund to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The money is designated specifically for suicide prevention training for staff working at state-run Veterans' Haven facilities. By funding this training, the legislation aims to equip personnel with the skills needed to support residents who may be at higher risk for suicide. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $1 million from the state General Fund to fund suicide prevention training for veterans' facility staff, directly increasing funding for a public service.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allocates $1M to fund suicide prevention training for staff at state veterans' facilities, directly supporting veteran safety and care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

A 5137: Establishes State-funded roster of mental health professionals to perform competency evaluations in criminal cases; makes appropriation.

This bill creates a state-funded roster of mental health professionals in New Jersey to conduct competency evaluations for criminal defendants who may be unfit to stand trial. It requires judges to select evaluators from this pre-approved list, which includes private practitioners and Department of Human Services staff, unless all parties agree to a different professional. The legislation also establishes a specific program administered by the Administrative Director of the Courts to manage the roster and ensures that defendants are not unnecessarily hospitalized during the evaluation process.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly mandates a state appropriation to fund a roster of mental health professionals, directly increasing government spending for public services.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes a state-funded roster for competency evaluations, ensuring fair access to mental health resources and protecting defendants' rights within the criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a state-funded roster of mental health professionals and mandates funding for competency evaluations, directly expanding access to mental health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 11, 2026

A 5040: Establishes Hope Card Program to provide victims of domestic violence with restraining order quick reference wallet card; makes appropriation.

This bill creates the Hope Card Program in New Jersey to give victims of domestic violence a free, wallet-sized card that summarizes their restraining order details. The card is designed to help victims quickly show law enforcement and other authorities the protections they have when they are in danger. Courts must issue these cards within ten business days of finalizing a restraining order, and the card itself does not replace the legal order but serves as a convenient reference. The legislation also updates the state's central registry rules to allow the Hope Card information to be shared with authorized agencies for safety investigations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill includes an appropriation to fund the Hope Card Program, directly advancing fiscal support for a public safety service.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens victim protection by providing quick access to restraining order details, enhancing law enforcement response and safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4198: Establishes Health Equity Access and Leadership Fund; appropriates $25 million from General Fund, and allocates portion of Health Care Subsidy Fund revenues, to fund.

This bill creates a new Health Equity Access and Leadership Fund within New Jersey's existing Health Care Subsidy Fund to support community health initiatives. The fund will be financed by an initial $25 million appropriation from the state's General Fund and by allocating at least 0.1 percent of annual revenues from the Health Care Subsidy Fund. Money in the fund will be distributed through a competitive grant process to community-based organizations and service providers that offer essential health care services. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with administering the fund and establishing rules to ensure its integrity.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $25M and allocates fund revenues to create a new Health Equity Access and Leadership Fund, directly increasing funding for public services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a new fund to finance community health initiatives and expand access to essential services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4323: Requires annual competitive tax credit auctions; dedicates proceeds to NJ Civic Information Consortium and public broadcasting system; reduces tax credits available for certain film productions; appropriates $15 million.

This bill establishes an annual competitive auction system for film and digital media tax credits in New Jersey, directing the resulting funds to the state's Civic Information Consortium and public broadcasting system. It reduces the available tax credit percentage for certain film productions while maintaining higher rates for specific digital media projects that meet strict local hiring and spending requirements. The legislation also includes a $15 million appropriation to support these initiatives and requires all recipients to include promotional materials for New Jersey in their final credits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs auction proceeds to fund public broadcasting and civic information, strengthening state budget allocation for public services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Tax Credits

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signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jul 8, 2026

A 4961: Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for transportation infrastructure projects for FY2027; makes appropriation.

This bill authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to spend $65.55 million in loans for transportation infrastructure projects during the 2027 fiscal year. The legislation allows the bank to provide funding to local government units for construction costs and includes specific provisions for forgiving up to $1 million in planning and design loans under certain conditions. Additionally, the act permits the bank to use additional funds to cover its own operational expenses, such as bond issuance costs and reserve requirements. While the text lists specific eligible projects, the summary of those details is incomplete in the provided document.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $65.55M in loans for transportation infrastructure, directly funding essential public services and strengthening state fiscal management.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill authorizes $65.55M in loans for transportation infrastructure projects and covers operational expenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Debt & Bonds

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4236: Establishes comprehensive school-based violence prevention grant program to help youth at highest risk of involvement in gun violence; appropriates $1 million.

This bill creates a new grant program in New Jersey to help school districts prevent gun violence among high-risk youth by funding evidence-based prevention strategies. To qualify, a school district must be located in an area with a high rate of homicides or violent crime, and the funds are intended to support programs that involve collaboration with community partners like mentors and mental health professionals. The $1 million appropriation allows districts to use the money for activities such as trauma healing, conflict resolution training, and connecting students with trusted adults. Additionally, the bill requires districts that receive funding to submit annual reports detailing how they utilized the grant money.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $1 million to fund a new grant program for violence prevention, directly increasing government spending on public services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds violence prevention and mental health support for at-risk youth, addressing root causes of crime and reducing future criminal justice involvement.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $1M to fund violence prevention programs in schools, enhancing student safety and educational access.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds mental health professionals and evidence-based prevention strategies for high-risk youth, directly supporting healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Firearms Violent Crime School Safety Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 8, 2026

S 4393: Provides for monthly salary for certain members of State Board of Medical Examiners; appropriates funds.

This bill establishes a monthly salary of $3,000 for most members of New Jersey's State Board of Medical Examiners, with the exception of the Commissioner of Health and their designee who serve without pay. The funding for these salaries and related board expenses will come from the General Fund through the Division of Consumer Affairs. Additionally, the legislation authorizes a separate payment of $250 for each regular examination held by the board, paid from board receipts or a specific appropriation if available. The act amends existing state statutes to formalize these compensation structures and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates funds from the General Fund to pay salaries and expenses for the State Board of Medical Examiners, directly increasing government spending for a public service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4917: Establishes five-year youth workforce readiness grant pilot program; appropriates $5 million.

This bill creates a five-year pilot program in New Jersey to fund workforce readiness activities for youth aged 12 to 19. The $5 million appropriation will be distributed through competitive grants to community-based organizations and partnerships that offer out-of-school time programs, such as after-school or summer activities. These programs aim to provide education and training that help young people develop the skills needed for employment while also engaging local employers in addressing workforce needs. The legislation defines eligible partners as nonprofit groups with proven expertise in career pathways and data tracking to measure student progress.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $5 million to fund youth workforce readiness programs, directly increasing government spending on public services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $5M to fund youth workforce readiness and out-of-school educational programs, expanding access and training.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill funds youth workforce readiness programs to develop employment skills and engage employers, directly advancing labor and employment goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Career & Technical Education Child Labor

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