This bill appropriates $10 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation efforts. The funds are designated to provide municipal planning incentive grants to a specific list of 46 townships and boroughs across New Jersey counties. Each eligible municipality may receive a maximum grant of $2 million to support local planning initiatives aimed at preserving farmland. The legislation takes effect immediately and operates under existing state laws governing the "Preserve New Jersey" program.
S 1759 increases the portion of rent that counts as property taxes for tax deduction purposes from 18% to 30% for renters whose rental unit is their primary residence. It also raises the maximum property tax credit amount from $50 to $250 for eligible taxpayers, including those aged 65 or older, or who are blind or disabled and not subject to New Jersey income tax. These changes apply to both homeowners and renters who qualify for these tax benefits under New Jersey law. The bill modifies specific definitions and credit thresholds in the state's tax code without altering eligibility criteria.
This bill authorizes New Jersey to issue specialty license plates featuring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s emblem and slogan. Motorists who apply for these plates must pay a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual fee, with all additional fees deposited into a dedicated "Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. License Plate Fund." The fund, managed by the state Treasury, will provide annual grants to support the sorority's existing programs, including youth education, economic development, and community health initiatives. The license plates are subject to standard vehicle registration rules but require consultation with the sorority's Eastern Regional Director for design approval.
This bill formally approves the Fiscal Year 2027 financial plan for the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. The resolution authorizes the bank to proceed with funding loans and debt guarantees for eligible environmental projects, including clean water, drinking water, and stormwater management initiatives. By passing this measure, the Legislature ratifies the bank's budgetary strategy for the upcoming fiscal year as required by state law. The document does not alter the bank's operations but rather provides the necessary legislative consent for its planned financial activities.
S 1834 amends New Jersey's urban enterprise zone (UEZ) program to allow for the creation of additional zones. The bill updates definitions to clarify terms like "UEZ-impacted business districts" (areas negatively affected by adjacent zones) and expands the list of qualifying municipalities eligible to establish zones. This would enable more communities to create UEZs, which provide tax incentives to businesses to stimulate economic development in distressed areas. The changes would directly affect businesses operating within new zones and local governments managing these zones.
This bill changes New Jersey's NJBEST program by replacing a one-time $750 savings grant with an annual $1,500 grant for eligible contributors. It affects people or organizations opening NJBEST accounts with adjusted gross income between $0 and $75,000, who will now receive a three-to-one match on annual deposits (up to $1,500 per account). The grant applies each year before the designated beneficiary turns 14, instead of as a single initial payment. This policy update modifies an existing program established under P.L.2021, c.128 to provide ongoing savings incentives.
This bill (S 580) allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct student loan interest from their state gross income tax, matching the federal deduction rules under Section 221 of the Internal Revenue Code. It directly affects New Jersey residents who pay interest on qualified student loans, with the deduction limited to the same amount allowed federally - currently up to $2,500 - and phased out based on income (e.g., eliminated for single filers earning $85,000+ or joint filers earning $170,000+). The state deduction automatically adjusts if federal rules change, and married couples must file jointly to claim it. The bill takes effect immediately for tax years starting after its enactment.
This bill directs New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to raise the income protection allowance for independent adult students applying for the Tuition Aid Grant Program. The change aligns the state's calculation method with the federal standard used for Pell Grants, allowing more of a student's income to be disregarded when determining financial eligibility. Independent adult students will benefit from potentially higher aid eligibility as the state formula becomes more generous. The law takes effect immediately and applies to grants awarded in the first academic year after enactment.
This bill establishes a 13-member Task Force on Higher Education Governance and Funding to study New Jersey's higher education system, including its organizational structure, oversight mechanisms, and financial support. The task force will include representatives from state agencies, universities, colleges, and labor organizations, with appointments made within 60 days of the bill's effective date. The group is required to hold at least one public hearing, examine how current funding affects tuition and student outcomes, and submit data-driven recommendations to the Legislature on how to adequately and equitably fund public higher education institutions. The bill appropriates $200,000 to cover the task force's operational costs and member reimbursement for necessary expenses.
This bill adds $10 million from the Universal Service Fund (an off-budget source) to the NJSHARES-S.M.A.R.T. Program for utility payment assistance in New Jersey. It directly helps homeowners and tenants facing financial hardship with past-due utility bills, including arrearages. The program requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to quickly establish eligibility guidelines, ensuring applicants aren’t receiving duplicate benefits from private insurance or other programs. This supplement builds on an existing $5 million appropriation for the same program in the FY2026 budget.
