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New JerseyA5798220th Legislature (2024-2025)HouseWALLET

Requires automatic enrollment into utility bill payment assistance programs for certain individuals and households.*

Sponsored By: Linda S. Carter (Democratic), Angela V. McKnight (Democratic), Carmen Theresa Morales (Democratic), Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (Democratic), Shirley K. Turner (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Automatic utility aid enrollment for low-income households

Beginning July 1, 2026, New Jersey agencies must automatically enroll eligible households in ongoing utility assistance, as federal law allows. Human Services must share needed information through agreements with Community Affairs, the Board of Public Utilities, and other administering agencies. This covers households receiving or eligible for TANF, Work First New Jersey, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, or other needs-based programs named in those agreements. Covered utility programs include the Universal Service Fund and Winter and Summer Termination Programs, which protect against utility shutoffs. Other state utility programs qualify when aid does not expire after a preset total amount or time. One-time grants and limited-use aid are excluded. Agencies must review eligibility rules and recipient data to identify needed enrollment information and issue rules to carry out the law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Linda S. Carter

    Democratic • House

  • Angela V. McKnight

    Democratic • Senate

  • Carmen Theresa Morales

    Democratic • House

  • Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

    Democratic • House

  • Shirley K. Turner

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Clinton Calabrese

    Democratic • House

  • Shama A. Haider

    Democratic • House

  • Tennille R. McCoy

    Democratic • House

  • Paul D. Moriarty

    Democratic • Senate

  • M. Teresa Ruiz

    Democratic • Senate

  • Gary S. Schaer

    Democratic • House

  • Troy Singleton

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shanique Speight

    Democratic • House

  • Benjie E. Wimberly

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 80 • No: 33

House vote • 1/12/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 52 • No: 23

Senate vote • 1/12/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 28 • No: 10

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor — P.L.2025, c.387.

    1/20/2026Governor

  2. Passed Senate, PBH — (28-10)

    1/12/2026Senate

  3. Substituted for S4709 (2R)

    1/12/2026Senate

  4. Received in Senate, SWR, 2nd Reading in Senate

    1/12/2026Senate

  5. Passed Assembly — (52-23-0)

    1/12/2026House

  6. REP/ACA, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    12/18/2025House

  7. REP/ACA, Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee

    12/11/2025House

  8. Introduced, 1st Reading in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee

    6/16/2025House

Bill Text

  • Version PL2025

    8/7/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Version AL2025

    7/7/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Appropriations (12/18/25 2R)

    1/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • 1/2/26; 2R

    1/2/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities (12/11/25 1R)

    12/22/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Appropriations Substitute (12/18/25 1R)

    12/19/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Substitute (12/11/25)

    12/12/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • As Introduced

    12/11/2025

    HTMLPDF

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