TRENTON, NJ (GovWire) - The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee met today to discuss Senate Bill 3561, which would establish a guaranteed rental payment pilot program for certain low-income tenants. The bill, which would appropriate $10 million for the program, was met with support from several organizations, including the New Jersey Apartment Association and the Fair Share Housing Center.
During the meeting, Senator Holly Schepisi raised concerns about the bill's potential retroactive application to lease agreements already in effect at the time of the bill's enactment. She stated that this could create an ex post facto law, with penalties being established for leases that are already in place.
The bill's sponsor, Senator Brian Stack, was not present at the meeting to address these concerns. However, Chairman Troy Singleton stated that the bill is certified and will make its way over to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. He also stated that he hopes Senator Stack will be able to provide clarification on this issue in the interim.
Despite these concerns, the bill was met with support from several organizations. Jeff Kolakowski of the New Jersey Builders Association spoke in favor of the bill, stating that it would provide much-needed assistance to low-income tenants.
The bill will now move on to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further consideration. It remains to be seen whether Senator Stack will address the concerns raised by Senator Schepisi and provide clarification on the bill's potential retroactive application.
This article generated by GovWire AI.
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