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Bill

S 4538

Makes FY2026 supplemental appropriations of $358,811,000; adds and amends various language provisions to FY2026 Appropriations Act.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Greenstein and 5 co-sponsors

The bill adds a supplemental FY2026 funding package across agencies, expanding housing, health, education, public safety, and capital projects with mix of grants and loans.

Approved P.L.2026, c.20.
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Bill Summary · S 4538

Summary of Bill S 4538 (Session 222) – New Jersey

This bill provides a FY2026 supplemental appropriation of $358.811 million and makes targeted amendments and language updates to the FY2026 Appropriations Act (P.L.2025, c.74). It is introduced by Senators Sarlo and Greenstein and currently in committee.

Purpose and intent

  • To supplement the FY2026 state budget with additional funding across multiple departments and programs.
  • To add new line items, adjust existing appropriations, and clarify or expand program authority, including targeted support for localities, health care, housing, education, environmental and public safety initiatives, and capital projects.

Key provisions and changes

  • Legislature

    • Adds $650,000 for the State Commission of Investigation under Direct State Services (Legislative Commissions and Committees).

  • Department of Agriculture

    • Grants-in-Aid: Avellana Agroforestry Cooperative – Supply Chain Infrastructure receives $299,000 to support hazelnut processing automation, cold storage, food safety, and regional agroforestry development.

  • Department of Children and Families

    • Grants-in-Aid totaling $1,840,000 to Family and Community Partnerships (and related social services initiatives), including specific allocations for Domestic Violence Housing Support ($1,000,000), Essex County Family Justice Center ($340,000), and SAFE in Hunterdon ($500,000).

  • Department of Community Affairs

    • Grants-in-Aid for the NJ Community Capital Foreclosure Mitigation Program: $1,125,000.
    • Allows up to $1.125 million of the NJ Community Capital Foreclosure Mitigation Program funds to be used to expand affordable housing access in Newark, subject to director approvals.
    • Transitional Aid to Localities: $135,000,000 with a mixed financing approach:
    • At least $110.4 million to be provided as loans (terms set by the Director of Local Government Services in consultation with the State Treasurer).
    • The remaining balance allocated to approved local aid projects based on needs assessments, with terms and repayment rules established via memoranda of understanding.

  • Department of Corrections

    • Direct State Services: Adds $18.76 million for salaries and related costs in detention and rehabilitation (reflecting unrealized savings from prison consolidation).

  • Department of Education

    • Direct State Aid: $9.15 million total for various educational services, including:
    • Charter School Facility Improvements: $3.5 million from the PTRF, plus other capital and operating aid to several districts.
    • Emergent health and safety-related capital costs in charter and Renaissance projects: up to $11.5 million, review by the DOE Office of Charter and Renaissance Schools.
    • Educator Employment Web Portal: $500,000 (transfer to support portal is reversed in the bill).

  • Department of Environmental Protection

    • Site remediation and related grants: $700,000 to Middlesex County (foam replacement) and $2 million to Essex County for mosquito control and related operations.
    • Clean Energy Fund: Adds $4 million for Vehicle-to-Grid Pilot program within the Electric School Bus Program (subject to approval).

  • Department of Health

    • Health services grants: $5 million to South Jersey Cancer Program for Cooper University Healthcare.
    • Health planning and evaluation: $17.6 million in grants, including support for Allaire Health Services expansion and major hospital subsidies (Saint Peter’s, Cooper Medical School, University Hospital).

  • Department of Law and Public Safety

    • Special Law Enforcement Activities: $15 million for Horse Racing Purses (with a corresponding $15 million subsidy).

  • State Government and Higher Education

    • Rowan University and Cooper Medical School subsidies: about $14.849 million to Rowan University; and a total of $50 million for Cooper Medical School/University Hospital support.
    • Additional cultural, arts, and historical resources funding: $275,000.
    • Various small grants to independent institutions and county colleges (e.g., Saint Elizabeth University, Mercer County Community College).

  • Interdepartmental Accounts

    • New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority: $40 million for FIFA World Cup-related host city responsibilities and related costs, with flexibility to transfer funding to other departments as needed (subject to budget director approval).

  • General Provisions and cannabis fund language

    • Reallocation authority: allows reallocation and supplemental appropriations from the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund, if funds are available.
    • Revenue shortfalls: allows additional transfers from the General Fund to the cannabis fund to cover shortfalls, within the allowed difference between actual receipts and projections.

Affected entities and potential impact

  • State agencies and local governments receive targeted funding for infrastructure, public safety, health, housing, and education.
  • Nonprofit organizations receive grants for community development, housing, and cultural programs.
  • Localities may access Transitional Aid with a mix of loans and grants, influencing municipal budgets and capital projects.
  • Programs tied to the FIFA World Cup receive supplemental support to cover event-related state and local costs.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Effective date: immediate upon enactment.
  • The bill both supplements and modifies priorities within the existing FY2026 Appropriations Act, requiring Senate and Assembly approval and potential adjustments by the Director of Budget and Accounting and the Director of Local Government Services.

This summary captures the major funding lines, program purposes, and administrative mechanics introduced by S 4538.

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

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