Housing

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to qualify for preferential treatment when applying for state-funded grants by adopting specific strategies to encourage denser residential development. Municipalities must update their master plans and zoning regulations to include housing strategies like permitting accessory dwelling units, reducing parking requirements, or allowing multi-unit buildings in areas previously restricted to single-family homes. After implementing these changes and submitting the updated plans to the state, eligible municipalities receive priority in competitive grant distributions. The preference applies to most state grants but excludes programs focused on fair housing obligations or shared services.

This bill provides an additional $358.8 million in funding for New Jersey state agencies and local governments for fiscal year 2026. The money is allocated to various departments, including support for domestic violence housing, prison consolidation savings, school infrastructure, and mosquito control. Specific provisions also authorize a supplemental appropriation for the Cannabis Regulatory Fund and allow nonprofit organizations to host the state's AI supercomputer. Overall, the legislation amends the existing FY2026 Appropriations Act to distribute these funds across education, health, public safety, and other state services.

This bill requires the New Jersey State Department of the Treasury to create a list of unused state-owned land and buildings that are not currently generating revenue or serving a public purpose. State agencies must submit these lists every two years, after which officials will analyze each site to determine if it can be developed into low- or moderate-income housing. The final report detailing these findings will be sent to the Governor and the Legislature and made available online every two years.

This bill bans landlords and housing programs from using credit scores or credit reports to evaluate applicants for affordable housing. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households seeking subsidized housing or units restricted to such households. Instead of relying on credit scores, it requires individualized assessments of applicants' ability to pay rent based on income relative to rent (2x or 2.5x rent, depending on subsidy type). The law aims to prevent discriminatory rejections that disproportionately impact people of color, disabled individuals, and others facing systemic barriers.

New Jersey's S 1631 adds height and weight to the list of protected characteristics under the state's Law Against Discrimination. It makes it illegal for employers, public accommodations (like restaurants and stores), and housing providers to discriminate based on these factors. The bill amends existing law to include "height or weight" alongside categories like race, disability, and gender identity in all relevant sections. Enforcement will continue through the Division on Civil Rights, which handles complaints about discrimination.