Budget & Taxes (Appropriations)

This bill provides $615,000 in supplemental funding from the state General Fund to the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) for a grant to the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership. The funding supports the existing statewide 2-1-1 service, which connects New Jersey residents to social services, health resources, and emergency assistance through a single phone number (2-1-1). The NJ 2-1-1 Partnership has served as the designated administrator of the 2-1-1 service in New Jersey since 2002, following state and federal designations. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but was withdrawn the same day as it was already covered under another enacted law (P.L.2025, c.394).

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to expand the existing Jersey Fresh Program to include marketing and promotion of farmed fish and shellfish (aquaculture products) produced in the state or its waters. It requires the department to create a new quality grading system specific to aquaculture products - distinct from wild-caught seafood - and use it to verify product standards. The bill mandates an annual $25,000 state appropriation from the General Fund to fund this advertising and promotion, separate from other Jersey Fresh Program funding. It directly affects New Jersey aquaculture producers by creating a dedicated marketing channel for their products through the established Jersey Fresh brand.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH) to provide SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients with clear information about card skimming, cloning, and fraud prevention. It mandates that DHS and DOH distribute written materials at enrollment/recertification points, post digital/paper resources online and at offices, and establish processes to replace benefits stolen through these fraud methods using federal or state funds. The bill also directs both departments to coordinate with card vendors to implement security measures like chip technology and transaction alerts. Recipients must report fraud to DHS/DOH or law enforcement, with annual reports tracking fraud incidents and benefit replacements.