This bill creates the "New Jersey Family Homelessness Fund" allowing taxpayers to voluntarily add contributions to their state income tax refunds or enclose payments. It directly affects families facing homelessness in New Jersey by funding services through Family Promise affiliates. Key provisions require the state to annually allocate all collected funds to Family Promise's local affiliates for homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and housing stabilization programs. Taxpayers can choose to contribute via their tax return, with no mandatory fees or tax increases.
This bill requires New Jersey municipalities to submit copies of property tax break agreements (like abatements or exemptions) to their county chief financial officer and county counsel within 10 days of signing. It directly affects municipalities that grant temporary property tax breaks to incentivize development. The bill also adds an annual requirement for municipalities to report total tax exemptions and abatements to county officials by October 1 each year, expanding current reporting to include county-level officials. This shifts filing responsibilities from state agencies (like the Division of Local Government Services) to county-level offices, increasing local oversight of tax incentive programs.
New Jersey bill A 2592 requires most residential landlords to give tenants written notice within five business days if nearby construction (like neighbor property work) or their own maintenance might cause property damage or hazards. This applies to landlords renting properties with more than two units or seasonal rentals, excluding small owner-occupied homes (up to three units) and hotels. Notices must be delivered by mail, posted prominently, or electronically before work begins. Landlords who fail to provide notice face fines up to $200 per violation, enforceable through local courts.
This bill establishes a nonrefundable tax credit for disabled veterans in New Jersey who rent residential property. It allows qualifying disabled veterans to claim a credit of up to $1,000 annually for the portion of their rent that covers property taxes (calculated as 18% of rent paid). Married veterans filing separately each receive half the credit, and veterans sharing housing with non-spouses can only claim credit for their own rent payments. The credit applies in addition to existing rent tax credits for seniors or other disabled renters.
This bill (A4228) requires the New Jersey State to reimburse school districts for the costs of transporting homeless students to school. Currently, the student's district of residence pays these transportation costs, but this bill shifts that responsibility to the state. It amends existing laws (P.L.1989, c.290 and P.L.2015, c.228) to specify that the State must reimburse districts for transportation provided to homeless students. The change directly affects all school districts in New Jersey that transport homeless students, ensuring they are financially supported for this cost.
This bill adds a new fee for landlords filing eviction actions related to unpaid rent in New Jersey. It targets renters facing imminent homelessness due to inability to pay rent, requiring them to be New Jersey residents with income under 80% of area median income and not hiding assets. The bill also changes how mortgage-related homelessness assistance is provided, requiring it as a secured loan (not direct cash) for owner-occupied homes. Eligibility includes prioritizing vulnerable groups like seniors, disabled individuals, domestic violence victims, and families with children facing separation.
This bill caps annual rate increases for residential electric and gas utility customers at 5% per year, preventing frequent or large hikes. Utilities may exceed this limit only during defined "extraordinary circumstances," such as major natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes) or state/federal emergencies. It directly affects households receiving residential utility service by limiting how much providers can raise bills annually. The law establishes a clear, enforceable rate limit with specific exceptions for unforeseen crises.
This bill establishes the New Jersey Military Family Relief Fund, allowing taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to it through their state income tax return. The fund would provide grants up to $2,500 to cover essential expenses like food, housing, and medical costs for eligible military members, veterans, and their families who reside in New Jersey and demonstrate financial hardship. To qualify, applicants must have lived in New Jersey for at least 12 consecutive months, provide proof of hardship, and cannot receive more than one grant per year. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs would administer the program, with funds annually appropriated from the relief fund for these grants.
This bill prohibits short-term rentals (like Airbnb) in exclusively residential zones unless a municipality specifically authorizes them. It directly affects property owners in residential neighborhoods and gives local governments authority to regulate such rentals through zoning. Municipalities can allow short-term rentals on up to 25% of their land area, but cannot permit them in zones zoned solely for long-term residential use. The law defines "transient accommodations" to exclude hotels, dorms, and leases longer than 90 days, while requiring rentals through platforms like Airbnb to comply with local rules. It aims to preserve housing supply and affordability by limiting short-term conversions of residential units.
This bill requires mortgage lenders in New Jersey to provide homeowners facing foreclosure with detailed written notices that include specific information about free housing counseling services. The notice must clearly explain the homeowner's right to access free counseling through the Foreclosure Mediation Program and list resources like the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. It mandates that notices include contact details for local legal aid, the municipal affordable housing liaison (if applicable), and programs offering financial assistance to cure defaults. The law directly affects residential mortgage debtors and lenders, ensuring homeowners receive timely guidance to potentially avoid losing their homes. These changes amend existing foreclosure procedures under P.L.1995, c.244 and P.L.2019, c.64.
