This bill amends New Jersey laws to allow the use of funds from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and municipal development fee trust funds for the planning and construction of licensed childcare centers that are co-located with low- or moderate-income housing. It specifically permits these funds to be utilized for childcare centers that are located in the same building, on the same site, or adjacent to the housing facilities. The initiative aims to improve access to childcare services alongside affordable housing projects, thereby providing essential support to families in low- and moderate-income brackets.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing regulations regarding the expenditure of municipal development fee trust funds, expanding their permissible uses to include the planning and construction of childcare centers. It also introduces a prohibition on municipalities collecting development fees from developers constructing affordable units, although this does not apply to the Statewide development fee imposed on non-residential development. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage, emphasizing the integration of childcare facilities with affordable housing to promote community development and support for families in need.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-320, 52:27D-329.2