NJ A2851

Requires the Department of Community Affairs to fund at least one Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agency in each "populous county" (counties with 350,000+ residents based on the most recent federal census)

Mandates that HPP agencies remain open and available to serve residents throughout the duration of any declared public health emergency

Defines public health emergencies to include bioterrorism, novel biological agents, natural disasters, chemical attacks, nuclear accidents, and events declared by the Governor under the Emergency Health Powers Act

Allows the Commissioner of Community Affairs to request state General Fund appropriations if federal COVID-19 pandemic funding is insufficient to establish agencies in populous counties

Directs the Commissioner to notify the State Treasurer and Joint Budget Oversight Committee of any funding deficiencies before requesting legislative appropriations