ASSEMBLY HOUSING COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5625

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 11, 2025

      The Assembly Housing Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5625.

      This bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs (commissioner) to ensure that applicants for any housing, shelter, or rental assistance programs administered by the Department of Community Affairs (department), including but not limited to, rental assistance that is administered by the department and authorized pursuant to section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. s.1437f), the State rental assistance program, established pursuant to P.L.2004, c.140 (C.52:27D-287.1 et seq.), and any other similar State-administered programs related to housing, shelter, or rental assistance, are not limited to online application options.  The bill directs the commissioner to require that a person is able to apply through regular mail, electronic mail, in-person delivery, or fax.  This bill would take effect on the first day of the third month following enactment.