Authorizes local governments and nonprofit organizations to utilize certain constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for administrative expenses.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Simmons

Allows use of constitutionally dedicated Clean Water, Air, and Brownfields revenues to cover administrative costs of CBT projects, expanding flexibility while preserving dedicated

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee

Bill Summary: A 5101 (New Jersey, 222nd Session)

Purpose and intent

A 5101 authorizes local governments and nonprofit organizations in New Jersey to use certain constitutionally dedicated revenues from the Clean Water, Air, and Brownfields (CBT) program for administrative expenses. The bill aims to provide flexibility in the use of CBT funds, allowing a portion to cover costs associated with administering CBT-funded programs and projects rather than restricting all CBT revenues to direct program expenditures.

Key provisions and changes

Authorized use of CBT revenues for administration: Local governments and nonprofit entities may allocate a portion of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to administrative expenses related to CBT-funded activities. This expands the permissible uses of CBT funds beyond direct project costs.

Eligibility and recipients: The bill covers entities that already receive CBT revenues, including municipalities, counties, and qualifying nonprofit organizations involved in CBT programs.

Administrative cost scope: The provision specifies that the administrative expenses eligible for coverage include costs necessary to plan, implement, monitor, report on, and manage CBT-supported projects and programs.

Preservation of dedicated purpose: Despite allowing administrative uses, the funds remain constitutionally dedicated to CBT purposes, ensuring that the core objective of CBT revenues is preserved, with added flexibility for administration.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Heather Simmons.

Who would be affected

Local governments (cities, towns, counties): Potentially favored by the ability to use CBT revenues for administrative costs, reducing strain on project-specific budgets.

Nonprofit organizations involved in CBT programs: Similar flexibility to cover administrative duties necessary to manage CBT-related work.

Citizens and communities benefiting from CBT projects: Indirectly affected through potentially more efficient administration and possibly expanded CBT activity due to better-funded administration.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced and referred to the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on May 18, 2026.

Next steps: Committee consideration, potential amendments, and subsequent votes in the Assembly. If advanced, the bill would move to the Senate for consideration and potential enactment, followed by the governor’s signature or veto.

Potential impact and considerations

Administrative efficiency: By allowing administrative costs to be covered with CBT revenues, entities may streamline project management, reporting, and compliance.

Budgetary implications:Adds flexibility in budgeting CBT funds; may affect the allocation balance between direct project expenditures and administrative tasks.

Fiscal safeguards: The bill would need to be interpreted to ensure administrative costs do not undermine the constitutionally dedicated nature of CBT revenues and remain proportional to overall CBT funding.

This summary reflects the bill’s stated provisions and its potential effects on local governments and participating nonprofits in New Jersey.