ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 3612

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 22, 2026

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3612 (1R).

      As reported, this bill supplements the FY2027 Appropriations Act to include language appropriating up to $10 million from the Universal Service Fund, as determined by the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting, to the NJSHARES – S.M.A.R.T. Program for utility payment assistance, including, but not limited to, utility arrearage assistance.  Under the bill, the Commissioner of Community Affairs is to design and establish certain program criteria and guidelines to award grants to eligible homeowners and tenants to enable them to comply with utility obligations.  The bill prohibits a homeowner or tenant that is eligible for or receives funding from private insurance or any other available funding opportunity that may be considered a duplication of benefits from receiving utility payment assistance from the appropriated funds.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      This bill is not certified as requiring a fiscal estimate.