Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4890: Increases benefit amount under New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit program from 40 percent to 60 percent of federal benefit amount.

This bill amends New Jersey law to increase the state Earned Income Tax Credit benefit from 40 percent to 60 percent of the federal amount, starting with the 2022 tax year. The change directly affects low- to moderate-income residents who file state tax returns and are eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. By raising the multiplier, the legislation ensures that qualifying individuals receive a larger refundable tax credit against their state income tax liability. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, expanding financial support for workers and families without altering the underlying federal eligibility requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases Earned Income Tax Credit benefits, providing tax relief and financial support to low-to-moderate income residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4246: Establishes Whole-Home Repairs Program in HMFA; appropriates $25 million.

This bill creates the Whole-Home Repairs Program within the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to provide financial assistance for home improvements. It targets low-income homeowners and small landlords by offering grants to owners and forgivable loans to landlords who agree to limit rent increases for at least two years. The program specifically funds repairs for accessibility, safety, energy efficiency, and weatherization, with priority given to seniors, people with disabilities, and those facing immediate health risks. A total of $25 million is appropriated from the state's General Fund to support these efforts while ensuring that construction work pays prevailing wages.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $25 million to fund a housing repair program for low-income homeowners, directly increasing government spending on essential public services.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly funds energy efficiency and weatherization repairs for homes, directly advancing energy conservation goals.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds whole-home repairs for low-income homeowners and landlords, improving safety and accessibility while limiting rent increases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Energy Efficiency Housing Finance Mortgages Tenant Rights

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4363: Establishes "Hazardous School Route Grant Program" in DOE; appropriates $15 million.

This bill creates the Hazardous School Route Grant Program within the New Jersey Department of Education to improve pedestrian safety for students walking to school. It allocates $15 million in funding to help school districts address dangerous walking paths where courtesy bus services are not available. To qualify, districts must demonstrate financial need and have previously adopted policies identifying hazardous routes, while municipalities must handle permits and long-term maintenance. The program allows grants of up to $1 million per district for projects like capital improvements or temporary transportation, with applications prioritized based on the severity of risks and the number of students affected.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $15 million to fund a new safety program for students, directly increasing government spending on essential public services.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $15M to improve pedestrian safety for students, enhancing school infrastructure and access.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates $15M to improve pedestrian safety and hazardous school routes, directly enhancing transportation safety infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5190: Requires benefits under certain State property tax relief programs to be provided as credits and requires tabulation of credits and deductions be included on property tax bills.

This bill requires New Jersey to issue property tax relief benefits as credits on tax bills rather than through direct cash payments. It directly affects residents eligible for state programs like ANCHOR, Stay NJ, and the homestead property tax reimbursement. The law mandates that these credits be clearly itemized on property tax statements and ensures that cooperative housing entities pass the credit amounts directly to residents. Additionally, the bill sets specific timelines for when these credits must be applied to tax bills based on when applications are received.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates property tax relief credits, directly supporting tax relief for residents and enhancing fiscal management of tax benefits.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by ensuring property tax credits are passed directly to residents, increasing their disposable income and housing stability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4996: Establishes Housing Placement for Survivors Program to assist domestic violence survivors with temporary housing and provide tax credits to certain housing unit owners offering reduced rate to domestic violence survivors.

This bill creates the Housing Placement for Survivors Program within the Department of Children and Families to help domestic violence survivors find temporary housing. It offers tax credits to landlords and hotel owners who provide reduced rental rates to survivors for stays between 30 and 180 days. The program includes a $15 million annual cap on these tax credits, with any unused funds rolling over to future years. By incentivizing private property owners to offer discounted rates, the legislation aims to increase the availability of safe, short-term accommodations for victims of domestic violence.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $15M in tax credits to fund a domestic violence housing program, directly advancing fiscal management for essential public services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a program to assist domestic violence survivors with temporary housing and offers tax credits to incentivize affordable rental options.95% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4935: Requires State agencies to provide information regarding living donations; appropriates $1 million.

This New Jersey bill requires all state agencies to distribute information about living organ donations to the public. Under the law, the Department of Human Services must supply these materials, which will be available as printed forms at agency offices and posted on official websites. The Department is also tasked with updating this educational content at least every two years. To support these efforts, the legislation appropriates $1 million from the state's General Fund to the Department of Human Services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $1 million to fund public education on organ donation, directly advancing state budget allocation for essential health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

ACR 149: Proposes constitutional amendment describing manner in which Legislature provides required maintenance and support of public schools.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would clarify how the New Jersey Legislature must fund and maintain public schools for children aged five to 18. The change requires the state to pass laws defining the components of a thorough and efficient school system and to establish how funding is allocated between the state and local districts. However, the amendment explicitly states that it does not set any minimum or maximum funding amounts, leaving the specific level of financial support entirely to the Legislature's discretion. If approved by voters, this text would permanently update the state constitution to describe the legislative process for public school support without mandating specific dollar figures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates state funding mechanisms for public schools, ensuring resources are allocated to maintain the education system.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates state funding and defines requirements for a thorough and efficient public school system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4986: Requires State Board of Education to establish program to pay high school equivalency exam fees for certain low-income individuals; provides gross income tax and corporation business tax deductions for donations made to support fees.

This bill directs the New Jersey State Board of Education to create a program that covers the fees for high school equivalency exams for low-income individuals, defined as those living in households earning 150 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines. To fund these payments, the legislation establishes a dedicated, nonlapsing fund within the Department of Education that accepts public donations and state appropriations. The bill also provides tax deductions for both individual and corporate taxpayers who contribute to this fund, making it easier for donors to support the initiative.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill funds high school equivalency exams for low-income individuals via state appropriations and tax deductions for donations, advancing public education access.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by funding high school equivalency exams for low-income individuals.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill provides financial assistance for high school equivalency exams to low-income individuals, including immigrants, thereby supporting immigrant integration and access to education services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax K-12 Education

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4226: Increases amount of certain grant funds available to local governments and non-profit organizations for recreation and conservation purposes.

This bill increases the amount of state grant money available to local governments and non-profit organizations in New Jersey for buying land used for recreation and conservation. Under the new provisions, the state will cover up to 80% of the cost for qualifying municipalities and non-profits, while also allowing state loans to cover up to 100% of such project costs with low interest rates. The legislation includes specific requirements for non-profits, such as ensuring public access to the land and prohibiting the use of certain existing grant funds as a match for the new grants.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases state grant funding for local governments and non-profits to support recreation and conservation projects.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill increases funding for land conservation and recreation, directly strengthening environmental protection and natural resource preservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4236: Establishes comprehensive school-based violence prevention grant program to help youth at highest risk of involvement in gun violence; appropriates $1 million.

This bill creates a new grant program in New Jersey to help school districts prevent gun violence among high-risk youth by funding evidence-based prevention strategies. To qualify, a school district must be located in an area with a high rate of homicides or violent crime, and the funds are intended to support programs that involve collaboration with community partners like mentors and mental health professionals. The $1 million appropriation allows districts to use the money for activities such as trauma healing, conflict resolution training, and connecting students with trusted adults. Additionally, the bill requires districts that receive funding to submit annual reports detailing how they utilized the grant money.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $1 million to fund a new grant program for violence prevention, directly increasing government spending on public services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds violence prevention and mental health support for at-risk youth, addressing root causes of crime and reducing future criminal justice involvement.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $1M to fund violence prevention programs in schools, enhancing student safety and educational access.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds mental health professionals and evidence-based prevention strategies for high-risk youth, directly supporting healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Firearms Violent Crime School Safety Mental Health

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