SENATE COMMUNITY AND URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3113

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 5, 2026

      The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3113.

      As reported, the bill supplements the FY2026 Appropriations Act to include language appropriating an additional $10 million from the off-budget Universal Service Fund to the NJSHARES – S.M.A.R.T. Program for utility payment assistance, including utility arrearage assistance.  The FY2026 Appropriations Act made a $5 million appropriation from the General Fund for the NJSHARES – S.M.A.R.T. Program.  The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to design and establish program criteria and guidelines consistent with the bill to award grants to eligible homeowners and tenants in an expeditious manner to enable them to comply with their utility obligations.  To be eligible for a grant under this program a homeowner or tenant may not be eligible for, or a recipient of, funding from private insurance or from any other available funding opportunity, which may be considered a duplication of benefits.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.