This bill mandates that the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) maintain a continuous open enrollment period for rental assistance applicants to submit pre-applications for the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program. This program, authorized under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, provides rental assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. The bill aims to ensure that applicants can consistently apply for assistance without being restricted by specific enrollment periods.

The act will take effect on the first day of the third month following its enactment, although the commissioner is allowed to take any necessary anticipatory administrative actions to facilitate its implementation. This continuous enrollment approach is intended to improve access to housing assistance for those in need, thereby addressing housing insecurity in the state.