This bill increases state funding by $1.5 million for the Center for Great Expectations in Somerset, raising its FY2024 appropriation from $500,000 to $2.0 million. The Center provides safe housing and support services to over 1,000 individuals annually, including homeless or economically marginalized people, pregnant or parenting individuals, and those with mental health or substance use challenges. The additional funds will directly support three key programs: the state's only residential program for adolescents with mental health disorders, an adult residential program for pregnant women, and outpatient mental health/substance abuse services. The bill amends the state's annual budget to adjust the funding line for this specific program.
This bill establishes the "Training Clinicians to Support Adults with Autism Workforce Development Program" at Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. It requires the program to recruit 8-10 students annually from diverse academic backgrounds (like psychology, social work, and education) who commit to careers supporting adults with autism, providing 20-40 hours weekly of hands-on clinical training, academic coursework, research opportunities, and a capstone project. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to fund the program’s creation and operation. The goal is to improve the quality of life for adults with autism in New Jersey by developing a specialized clinical workforce.
This bill adds $30 million from the General Fund to New Jersey's FY2026 budget for the Department of Agriculture's Food and Hunger Programs. The funds will be distributed to the state's six regional food banks, which collect surplus edible food and distribute it to local pantries and nonprofits serving vulnerable populations. These programs directly support low-income families, seniors, disabled individuals, and children who rely on food assistance. The funding provides immediate resources to maintain food distribution amid potential federal program disruptions, ensuring continued meal access for approximately 800,000 New Jersey residents.
S 2077 creates a one-year pilot program allowing New Jersey military members on active duty overseas and their eligible spouses or dependents to vote by internet in primary and general elections during the year the bill takes effect. The Secretary of State must develop a secure internet voting system that verifies voter identity, protects ballot privacy, and allows for audits, while following federal guidelines and best practices from other jurisdictions. The program requires consultation with local election officials, public outreach to eligible voters, and a report to the legislature within 120 days of the general election to recommend whether to continue, expand, or end the pilot. The state will appropriate necessary funds from the General Fund to cover the program's costs.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to launch a mobile cancer screening program within 180 days of its effective date. The program will use staffed mobile vehicles deployed across the state's northern, central, and southern regions, each operated by at least one qualified healthcare professional who determines screening methods based on their expertise and available equipment. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the state General Fund to fund this initiative and mandates a report to the Governor and Legislature within two years, summarizing results and suggesting future legislative action. The program directly affects New Jersey residents, particularly those in underserved areas who may gain easier access to cancer screenings.
S 1566 creates a $10 million grant program to support volunteer fire companies in New Jersey by funding operational costs and emergency equipment like protective gear, tools, and training. The program, managed by the Division of Fire Safety, requires volunteer fire companies to apply with detailed plans for fund use and report on expenditures and impact within one year. The bill appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to the new "Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program Fund," which will distribute grants annually to maximize participation across the state. This directly affects community-based volunteer fire departments seeking financial assistance for sustainability.
This bill creates a state-funded program to help employers increase wages for direct support professionals (DSPs) who assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Department of Human Services will distribute funds from the General Fund to employers, requiring them to use the money solely to raise DSP pay for existing or new staff. Employers must apply through a process established by the department, with guidelines for compliance. The program takes effect immediately but ends once all allocated funds are distributed. This directly affects employers of DSPs across New Jersey, aiming to address staffing shortages by enabling wage increases.
S 268 directs New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a three-year pilot program providing summer reading instruction to second graders not reading at grade level in selected school districts. The program requires participating districts to apply with details about their schools and past summer enrollment, and the commissioner will choose two districts per region (north, central, south) to ensure urban, suburban, and rural representation. The bill appropriates $1 million from the state general fund to cover the program’s implementation and mandates a final report evaluating its effectiveness and feasibility for statewide adoption. This directly affects students in participating districts and school districts applying for the pilot.
This bill creates a toll relief program for New Jersey drivers using E-ZPass. It requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to provide a 50% credit on tolls paid for 35 or more qualifying transactions (standard toll payments) per month on the Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway. The program is funded by $250 million from the General Fund for each authority, with credits posted within one month of earning. Authorities must submit quarterly reports on credits issued and the program expires one year after enactment.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a program identifying and recruiting unemployed residents for healthcare jobs. It mandates that DOLWD evaluate whether training is practical for specific roles, considers job proximity and transportation options, and assesses barriers preventing immediate employment. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund to fund training programs and support resources for eligible individuals, leveraging existing DOLWD initiatives. The program would directly affect unemployed New Jersey residents seeking healthcare employment, but the bill is currently pending in the Senate Labor Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).
