This bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to create performance-based funding plans for public colleges and universities. It ties a growing percentage of state operating funds (starting at 5% in 2019 and reaching 25% by 2023) to specific student success metrics. County colleges must meet goals like student credit completion and associate's degree attainment, while four-year schools focus on graduation rates, STEM degrees, and reducing achievement gaps. The plans must be transparent, with annual public reporting of each institution's performance and funding allocation.
This bill increases funding and flexibility for New Jersey's Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides financial support to nonprofits at high risk of attacks (including terrorism, extremism, or violence). It raises the maximum annual grant for security personnel from $10,000 to $25,000 per application (with a $75,000 yearly cap per organization) and for security equipment from $50,000 to $100,000 per application. Organizations may now apply for multiple grants for separate locations and receive both personnel and equipment funding in the same year - previously prohibited. The bill also mandates a minimum annual budget request of $14 million (up from $2 million) and specifies funding allocation: 55% for personnel, 36% for equipment, and 4% for outreach.
This bill provides a $3.5 million supplemental appropriation to fund the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program for adult students in career and technical education. It directly affects eligible adult students enrolled in county vocational school programs (minimum four months) who are New Jersey residents, have household incomes between $0-$65,000, and have applied for all other available grants/scholarships. The funding covers remaining tuition and approved fees after other state, federal, or institutional aid is applied, acting as "last-dollar" support. Eligibility requires good academic standing, enrollment in programs leading to industry certifications or licenses, and meeting residency requirements.
This bill establishes a pilot program in Union City, Trenton, and Camden to address open cockloft spaces between residential buildings. It appropriates $30 million to provide weatherization and fire safety improvements - specifically installing fire-rated separations and optional energy efficiency upgrades like insulation - free of charge to low- and moderate-income homeowners. Property owners not qualifying for free services may pay for the work through a 10-year property tax special assessment. The program directly affects residential building owners in these three cities, aiming to reduce energy costs, improve fire safety, and evaluate the effectiveness of weatherization measures in urban areas.
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 (A 3422) limits electric utility rate increases for eligible low- and middle-income residential households in New Jersey. It prohibits utilities from raising rates for these households by more than the previous year’s inflation rate (based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index). Eligible households are defined as those earning ≤200% of the federal poverty level (low-income) or ≤400% (middle-income). Utilities must report program details to the Board of Public Utilities and face fines for non-compliance, with annual reports to the Legislature summarizing impacts.
ACR 86 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt the primary residence of a surviving spouse from property taxes if their spouse - a law enforcement officer, firefighter (paid or volunteer), or emergency medical responder (ambulance/rescue squad member) - died while on duty. The exemption applies as long as the surviving spouse continues to live in the home as their primary residence and does not remarry. The state would reimburse local taxing districts annually for the lost property tax revenue from these exempt properties. This change would directly affect surviving spouses of qualifying first responders in New Jersey who own their home.
ACR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey to fund public school districts (excluding special education) with equal per-pupil state aid. This would change current funding practices where aid per student varies significantly between districts. The amendment specifies the state would not be required to set minimum or maximum funding levels for districts. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to mandate this equal per-pupil funding approach for general school support.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a comprehensive State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan every five years. The plan must estimate annual and long-term funding needs for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, identify revenue sources, prioritize projects (including environmental justice communities), and incorporate climate resilience strategies. It also mandates the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to publish additional details about water infrastructure projects and appropriates $200,000 to support these efforts. The bill directly affects state agencies, water systems, and communities relying on public water infrastructure.
This bill updates how New Jersey allocates revenue from hotel and motel occupancy fees. It sets specific percentages (e.g., 22.68% for arts funding) and minimum dollar amounts ($31.9 million annually for the State Council on the Arts) for fiscal years 2021-2026, then establishes fixed minimums ($31.9M for arts, $5.5M for history, etc.) starting in 2027. These funds directly support cultural projects, historical commissions, tourism promotion, and the Cultural Trust. The bill was withdrawn after being enacted as P.L.2025, c.393, meaning its provisions are now law.
