This bill amends the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Act to increase the Grants-in-Aid appropriation to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for the NJSHARES - S.M.A.R.T. Program by $5 million, raising the total from $5.5 million to $10.5 million. The additional funding is designated for utility payment assistance for homeowners and tenants facing financial difficulties across New Jersey. The bill stipulates that the Commissioner of Community Affairs will be responsible for designing and establishing program criteria and guidelines to ensure that grants are awarded efficiently to eligible individuals.

Furthermore, the bill outlines eligibility requirements for grant recipients, specifying that homeowners or tenants cannot be eligible for or receiving funding from private insurance or any other sources that would constitute a duplication of benefits. The commissioner is also empowered to implement the program through contracts or by delegating grant-awarding authority to private nonprofit organizations, public agencies, or both. This structured approach aims to facilitate timely assistance to those in need while preventing overlapping financial support.