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Bill

S 3888

Establishes New Jersey Low Income Household Water Assistance Program to provide water service and water bill payment assistance to certain low-income households; appropriates $25 million.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Renee Burgess and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey establishes a $25 million water bill assistance program for low-income households to prevent service shutoffs and ensure access to essential water services.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee
#housing #publicutil
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Bill Summary · S 3888

Legislative bill overview

S 3888 creates a new assistance program in New Jersey specifically designed to help low-income households pay water bills and access water services. The bill allocates $25 million in state funding to support eligible households in meeting their water utility costs.

Why is this important

Water is an essential service, and unpaid bills can result in service shutoffs that pose serious health and safety risks to vulnerable populations. This program addresses water affordability—a growing concern as water rates have risen significantly across the nation—by providing direct financial assistance to households struggling to maintain service.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source: The bill appropriates $25 million but does not specify where this funding comes from (general revenue, budget cuts elsewhere, or new revenue), which could face fiscal scrutiny
  • Eligibility criteria: The bill's language refers to "certain low-income households" without defining specific income thresholds or other eligibility requirements, leaving uncertainty about program scope and accessibility
  • Program administration: Questions about which agency will administer the program, how applications will be processed, and whether $25 million is adequate to meet statewide demand remain unanswered

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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