ACR 101 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit annual property tax increases for primary residences (homestead property) in New Jersey. If approved by voters, it would require the state legislature to cap annual assessment increases at the lower of 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) change, whichever is lower. This applies to properties used as the owner's principal residence, resetting to current market value upon ownership change. The amendment must be approved by voters before taking effect, as it requires constitutional change.
SCR 89 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the annual income limit for New Jersey seniors (65 or older) and disabled citizens (permanently and totally disabled under federal standards) to qualify for a property tax deduction. Currently, the income limit is $15,000 per year, and the amendment would raise this threshold. The deduction, limited to $250 annually, would then become available to more eligible residents who currently earn above $15,000. This change would directly affect seniors and disabled citizens who are currently ineligible due to income restrictions.
This bill requires New Jersey state agencies (including the Department of Community Affairs and Board of Public Utilities) to review and potentially raise income limits for residential customers seeking utility bill assistance or energy efficiency programs within one year of the bill's effective date. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households who currently qualify for these programs by expanding eligibility if income thresholds increase. Key provisions mandate agencies to consider program alignment, state median income, cost impacts, and public input before adjusting limits, while also requiring coordination to ensure customers aren’t eligible for multiple energy efficiency programs. The bill aims to simplify access and expand support without specifying exact income levels or outcomes.
This New Jersey bill requires owners of seasonal rental properties (short-term rentals under 125 days) to clearly state in all advertisements whether pets are permitted. If they fail to disclose this, renters can cancel their agreement within 12 hours of moving in and receive a full refund of any payments. Online rental platforms and real estate agents acting as the owner’s representatives are not held liable for the owner’s failure to provide this notice. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.
This bill prohibits public utilities in New Jersey from disconnecting residential electricity, gas, water, or sewer service due to nonpayment during the coronavirus 2019 state of emergency (declared March 9, 2020) and for 180 days after it ends. It requires utilities to offer residential customers deferred payment agreements for unpaid bills, with terms allowing at least 48 months to repay. The policy directly affects low-income households and vulnerable residents who risk service cutoffs during the emergency period. Utilities cannot disconnect service while customers comply with these repayment plans. This amends existing utility regulations to prioritize service continuity during public health crises.
This bill extends the annual deadline for New Jersey residents to submit a single combined application for three property tax benefits: the ANCHOR program (for homeowners), homestead property tax reimbursement (for seniors), and Stay NJ (for residents who remain in the state). Currently, applications must be filed by October 31 each year; this bill changes the deadline to December 31. The change directly affects residents applying for these specific tax relief programs, giving them an additional two months to complete and submit their applications. The bill amends existing law to adjust this filing window without altering the benefit calculations or eligibility criteria.
This bill amends New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to exclude veteran disability compensation from the income calculation used for eligibility. Currently, veterans receiving disability compensation may be disqualified if that income pushes their total income over the program's limit. The bill changes the law so that veteran disability compensation is not counted toward the income threshold, allowing more veterans to qualify for the tax reimbursement. It directly affects veterans who own a homestead in New Jersey and receive disability compensation.
This bill prohibits licensed real estate appraisers in New Jersey from considering protected characteristics like race, gender, or disability when valuing properties. It establishes tiered penalties: first violations require restitution and an anti-bias seminar, second violations lead to license suspension, and third violations result in license revocation. Appraisers found violating the law must also pay civil fines up to $50,000 per offense. The bill directly affects licensed appraisers and requires them to provide specific information to property owners and occupants, while mandating notifications to the Division on Civil Rights for complaints.
This bill creates New Jersey's Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act to protect active-duty military members, National Guard personnel, reservists called to duty, and their dependents. It allows courts to pause civil proceedings (like debt collection or evictions) during military service and prevents creditors from denying or changing credit terms solely because someone is serving. Dependents may also seek relief if military service harms their ability to meet lease or contract obligations. The law ensures New Jersey's protections meet or exceed federal standards for military members' civil and property rights.
This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to create programs where seniors aged 60+ who have lived in their home as a primary residence for at least 15 years can volunteer for non-paid municipal roles (like community events or park maintenance) in exchange for property tax credits. Volunteers earn credits based on the state minimum wage rate, capped at $1,000 per year, which must be applied directly to their municipal property taxes for that same year. The credits cannot be carried over to future years or used for taxes beyond the current tax period, and municipalities cannot replace paid staff with volunteers. It specifically targets seniors on fixed incomes, aiming to reduce their property tax burden through community service.
