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NJ A3283
Bill
Status
3/24/2025
Primary Sponsor
Wayne DeAngelo
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AI Summary
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Expands the existing energy assistance program to include water utilities alongside electric and gas utilities, renaming it from "energy assistance" to "public utility assistance"
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Requires 75% of unclaimed property deposits from electric, gas, and water utilities to be paid to a Board of Public Utilities-designated statewide nonprofit assistance organization to help prevent service termination or restore utility service
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Allocates $25 million from societal benefits charge revenues starting July 1, 2025 to fund grants for households seeking temporary utility bill assistance
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Establishes eligibility criteria for designated nonprofit organizations, including a network of at least 200 partner organizations in every county, a board with at least 5 utility representatives, and a call center offering assistance in at least 150 languages
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Mandates annual reporting to the Board of Public Utilities and Legislature on program outcomes, including number of applicants, households served, average assistance amounts, and income verification methods
Legislative Description
Directs certain unclaimed electric, gas, and water public utility deposits in Unclaimed Utility Deposits Trust Fund and societal charge revenues to be paid to Statewide nonprofit public utility assistance organizations meeting certain eligibility criteria.
Economic Growth
Last Action
Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee
5/12/2025