Technology (Broadband Access)

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 852: Expands EDA small business loan program to include certain broadband telecommunications service providers.

This bill expands New Jersey's small business loan program to include rural broadband telecommunications service providers certified by the Board of Public Utilities. It adds these providers to the list of eligible borrowers under the program, specifically targeting those offering broadband in rural areas (defined as municipalities with populations under 30,000 and low density). The change allows these providers to access loans for capital purchases, employee training, and new hires, aligning them with other small business categories. The bill amends existing law to include this new eligibility category without altering other program requirements.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands broadband access in rural areas by funding eligible providers through small business loans, directly advancing internet infrastructure and digital equity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SR 49: Urges Congress to establish national infrastructure bank.

This Senate resolution (SR 49) urges Congress to pass H.R.3339, which would establish a national infrastructure bank to address significant funding gaps for large-scale infrastructure projects. The proposed bank would generate capital by selling U.S. Treasury bonds to private investors, then lend funds to state and local governments for projects like roads, bridges, broadband, and energy systems. It directly affects states and municipalities by providing a dedicated, long-term funding source for infrastructure modernization, which the resolution cites as critical due to aging systems and climate-related strain (e.g., New Jersey’s 29% of roads in poor condition). The resolution emphasizes that current funding mechanisms are insufficient, and the bank model is used by other nations and historically by the U.S. for major economic investments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates federal infrastructure bank to fund state/local projects via Treasury bonds, directly increasing government spending on essential infrastructure as a dedicated funding source.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly funds energy systems through infrastructure bank, aligning with investment in energy infrastructure as per summary.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds broadband infrastructure as a key project, directly expanding internet access per topic definition.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges establishment of infrastructure bank to fund roads, bridges, and transit projects via Treasury bonds, directly advancing transportation infrastructure funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Bridges Transportation Funding

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2799: Requires DOH to develop mobile senior citizen assistance program.

S 2799 requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create a mobile assistance program for seniors within 180 days. The program would deploy staffed vehicles to nursing homes, senior centers, low-income housing, and community events to provide direct help with applications, health services, internet access, legal aid, tax filing, transportation, and technology use. It specifically mandates DOH to develop this service using existing funds, with rules to be established under state administrative procedures. The bill directly affects senior citizens across New Jersey, particularly those in underserved or isolated housing settings who need support with daily services. The program’s implementation is required to begin immediately after the bill takes effect.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates DOH to create mobile program providing direct health services access for seniors, advancing healthcare access through expanded support services.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly mandates internet access as a service within the mobile senior program, directly expanding digital access for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Tags Seniors

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 325: Establishes Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program in EDA; appropriates $2.5 million in federal funds.

S 325 establishes a grant program to expand rural broadband access in New Jersey, using $2.5 million in federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program, managed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, provides grants up to $75,000 per project to qualified organizations (like companies, nonprofits, or local governments) that build or improve broadband infrastructure in "unserved areas" (defined as locations lacking 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload speeds). Applicants must contribute 25% private funding and prioritize projects addressing these underserved areas. The bill appropriates federal funds directly into a dedicated grant fund and requires annual reporting on program outcomes.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill funds rural broadband expansion via $2.5M grants, directly advancing internet access as per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1166: Permits virtual or remote instruction for public schools used as polling places on election days.

This bill allows public schools designated as polling places on election days to offer virtual or remote instruction instead of in-person classes. It requires school boards to ensure all students have access to necessary technology (like computers or broadband) before implementing remote learning on those days. The virtual instruction day counts toward the state's required 180-day school year, and schools aren't required to provide hybrid (in-person + remote) options on election days. The provision only applies to schools actually serving as polling locations during elections, not to other schools.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates schools to provide necessary tech access (computers/broadband) for remote learning, advancing digital equity in education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Tags Elections

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1644: Establishes Small Business Resiliency Project Loan Program in EDA for certain small businesses implementing certain resiliency projects.

New Jersey's S 1644 establishes a loan program through the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide low-interest loans to small businesses (under 50 employees) for climate resiliency projects. The program targets businesses implementing projects like flood protection, water system upgrades, broadband expansion, or climate adaptation measures to reduce damage from events like hurricanes or sea-level rise. Loans will be issued from a dedicated revolving fund, replenished by repayments, with priority given to projects benefiting communities with climate vulnerability plans. Businesses must submit applications proving eligibility and outlining how funds will be used, and must provide annual financial reports until loans are repaid.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds climate resiliency projects (flood protection, adaptation) to reduce environmental damage from climate events, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly funds broadband expansion as a resiliency project, directly advancing internet access under Technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Broadband Access Tags Small Business

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2686: Establishes Safe Remote Learning Program in DOE to support provision of remote instruction facilities by public schools.

This New Jersey bill establishes the Safe Remote Learning Program within the Department of Education to support public schools (including charter and renaissance schools) providing remote instruction due to the pandemic. It requires schools to set up facilities meeting health/safety standards, equipped with necessary technology (like connected devices and internet access), and staffed during all hours. The state will reimburse schools for facility costs using federal pandemic relief funds first, then state funds if needed. Schools must prioritize student access for those eligible for free meals or with essential worker parents, and allow nearby facility access if space is limited.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationReimburses schools for remote learning infrastructure costs (tech, facilities, staffing), directly funding pandemic-era educational access and safety compliance for K-12 remote instruction.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly funds technology infrastructure (connected devices, internet access) for remote learning, directly expanding digital access for schools during pandemic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1238: Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings.

This bill requires CATV companies (cable providers) seeking new municipal franchises or renewing existing ones to provide free broadband Internet service and necessary equipment (like routers) to public libraries, fire stations, public schools, police stations, and other municipal buildings. Public libraries must receive business-class broadband with bandwidth matching their specific needs. The requirement applies only to CATV companies operating under municipal franchises approved after the bill's effective date. It does not affect existing service agreements or require free broadband for private entities.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates free broadband for public libraries/municipal buildings, expanding internet access and promoting digital equity in public infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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