WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 3283

Relates to the operation of gene synthesis providers and manufacturers of gene synthesis equipment

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Bores

Redirects unclaimed utility deposits and a one-time $25M SBC balance to a statewide nonprofit to grant aid for electric, gas, and water bills.

PRINT NUMBER 3283A
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 3283

Summary — A3283 (Print No. 3283A)

Relates to the operation of gene synthesis providers and manufacturers of gene synthesis equipment

(Note: despite the bill title shown in the request, the bill text and fiscal materials pertain to directing unclaimed utility deposits and certain societal benefits charge revenues to nonprofit utility assistance organizations.)

Main purpose

A3283 redirects certain unclaimed deposits held for electric, gas, and water utilities and a one‑time allocation of societal benefits charge balances to a Statewide nonprofit public utility assistance organization that meets specified eligibility criteria, to provide grant assistance for household electric, gas, and water bills.

Key provisions

  • Requires monies from the State’s Unclaimed Utility Deposits Trust Fund (originating from electric, gas, and water utilities) to be paid to a Board of Public Utilities (BPU)‑designated Statewide nonprofit public utility assistance organization that satisfies statutory eligibility requirements.
  • Eligibility requirements for the assistance organization include:
    • A network of at least 200 partner organizations with a physical presence in every New Jersey county and secure online or in‑person grant application access.
    • A board of directors including at least five utility representatives.
    • An on‑site customer service call center offering assistance in at least 150 languages.
  • Uses of the trust fund monies are limited exclusively to paying expenses associated with assisting electric, gas, and water utility ratepayers.
  • Reporting: within 10 months after disbursement and annually thereafter, the assistance organization must report to BPU on number of applicants, households served, average grant amount, average gross income of recipients, income/hardship verification methods, and other information BPU requires.
  • For the State fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 (FY 2026), BPU is to dedicate $25 million from available societal benefits charge balances to grants for households through an assistance organization meeting the same qualifications. The assistance organization must report to BPU within one year after disbursement, using the same metrics above.
  • Committee amendments clarified exclusive use of trust funds for assistance, updated fiscal year references, and made technical edits.

Fiscal impact (Office of Legislative Services)

  • Annual reallocation of about 75% of Unclaimed Utility Deposits — estimated at roughly $4 million per year — to the designated nonprofit for utility bill assistance.
  • A one‑time reallocation of $25 million in FY2026 from societal benefits charge balances to the same nonprofit.
  • OLS expects no upward pressure on the societal benefits charge rates because related program accounts are projected to hold sufficient year‑end balances.

Who is affected

  • Assistance organizations (subject to eligibility and reporting requirements) — potential recipients of trust fund and FY2026 SBC monies.
  • Electric, gas, and water ratepayers — potential increased access to bill payment assistance.
  • Board of Public Utilities — decision authority, oversight, and recipient reporting review.
  • Utilities — source of unclaimed deposit funds; societal benefits charge remains a funding mechanism but rates are not expected to change.

Procedural status / timeline

  • Introduced: Jan 9, 2024 (Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo sponsor)
  • Reported from Assembly Telecommunications & Utilities Committee with amendments: Mar 20, 2025
  • Passed Assembly: Mar 24, 2025 (63–15–0)
  • Received in Senate and referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee: May 12, 2025

Sources: bill text as reported, Committee Statement (Mar 20, 2025), and OLS fiscal estimate (Mar 27, 2025).

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

Sign in to ask a question.