N.J. Stat. tit. 44, ch. 10

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-1.1 Reference to county welfare board to mean reference to county welfare agency

Whenever in any law, rule, regulation or document not specifically repealed or otherwise affected by this act, reference is made to the county welfare board, the same shall mean and refer to the county welfare agency duly organized under the laws of this State. L.1977, c. 127, s. 6, eff. July 1, 1977.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-1.2 Reference to program of assistance for dependent children to mean program of aid to families with dependent children

Whenever in any law, rule, regulation or document not specifically repealed or otherwise affected by this act, reference is made to the program of assistance for dependent children, the same shall mean and refer to the program of aid to families with dependent children. L.1977, c. 127, s. 7, eff. July 1, 1977.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-5.6 Payment cycles

5. The Department of Human Services shall cycle the issuance of benefits over multiple dates throughout the month in a manner that best serves AFDC and food stamp recipients within the framework of the electronic benefit distribution system in each county. Such cycling shall begin in Camden, Hudson and Essex counties on July 1, 1992. L.1991,c.478,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-5.7 Evaluation, implementation of system

6. a. The Department of Human Services shall evaluate the operation of the electronic benefit distribution system in the initial counties, and, as deemed appropriate, shall proceed to implement the system in additional counties. b. The department shall implement the system in any additional county upon the request of the board of chosen freeholders of such county, or, in a county operating under the provisions of the "Optional County Charter Law," P.L.1972, c.154 (C.40:41A-1 et seq.), upon the request of the chief executive officer of such county. However, if the department does not deem it appropriate to implement the system in such requesting county, the department shall not implement the system, and shall submit a report in writing stating the reasons for that determination to the Assembly Health and Human Services and Appropriations Committees and the Senate Institutions, Health and Welfare and Revenue, Finance and Appropriations Committees, or their successors. c. Any additional county in which the system is implemented shall be exempted from the cycling of the issuance of benefits over multiple dates throughout the month, upon the request of the board of chosen freeholders of such county, or, in a county operating under the provisions of the "Optional County Charter Law," P.L.1972, c.154 (C.40:41A-1 et seq.), upon the request of the chief executive officer of such county. L.1991,c.478,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-5.8 Implementation plan, reports

7. a. The Commissioner of Human Services shall prepare an electronic benefit distribution system implementation plan, in consultation with the county welfare agencies in Camden, Hudson and Essex counties, on or before October 1, 1991. The plan shall include an estimate of the costs to participating counties and a determination of the feasibility of staggering payment schedules with no less than four working days between payment dates. b. The commissioner shall report to the Legislature and the Governor by October 1, 1991 on the plan to implement the electronic benefit distribution system and shall report quarterly thereafter for two years to the Legislative Joint Budget Oversight Committee on the implementation of the plan. L.1991,c.478,s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-5.9 Work First New Jersey program administrators, duties

30. The director or other chief administrative officer of each agency or office administering assistance under the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.) shall: a. cause copies of the voter registration forms and instructions provided for under subsections e. and f. of section 16 of P.L.1974, c.30 (C.19:31-6.4) and the declination form provided for in subsection b. of section 26 of P.L.1994, c.182 (C.19:31-6.11) to be distributed at each such agency or office to each person appearing in person thereat to apply for services or assistance provided thereby or to seek a recertification, renewal or change of address relative to the assistance provided at such office. An employee of the agency or office shall inquire of every such person whether the person, if not already registered to vote from the place of his or her present residence, wishes to be so registered and shall inform the person that whether or not the applicant chooses to register will not affect the person's eligibility for those services. The employee shall subsequently review the forms to determine whether or not the person wishes to register to vote. If the person does not wish to register, the employee shall provide the person with any assistance necessary to complete the declination form and then inform the person that the form will be retained by the employee. If the person wishes to register, the employee shall provide the person with any assistance necessary in completing the voter registration form; shall inform the applicant that the applicant may leave the completed form with the employee or mail it personally to the Secretary of State; and if the applicant chooses to leave the form, shall accept the completed form, stamp or otherwise mark the lower right hand corner of the document with the date on which it was so received, and forward it to the Secretary of State. The employee shall provide to each applicant who does not decline to register to vote the same degree of assistance with regard to the completion of the voter registration form as is provided by the office with regard to the completion of its own forms, unless the applicant refuses such assistance; b. provide for the continuous supply of the forms and instructions specified in subsection a. of this section to every agency and office which provides assistance under P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), 42 U.S.C. s.601 et seq. and the federal "Food Stamp Act of 1977," Pub.L.95-113 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.); c. provide the forms and instructions specified in subsection a. of this section in both the English and Spanish languages to the agencies and offices which are located in any county in which bilingual sample ballots must be provided pursuant to R.S.19:14-21, R.S.19:49-4 or section 2 of P.L.1965, c.29 (C.19:23-22.4); d. provide for the collection of completed voter registration forms by any employee of the agency or office for the transmittal of the forms to the Secretary of State; e. provide that the forms, instructions and assistance specified in subsection a. of this section shall be provided to any person with a disability who receives assistance or services at that person's home from an employee of the agency or office; f. inform each employee of the agency or office who assists in registering a person to vote that employee shall not: (1) seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration; (2) display any such political preference or party allegiance; (3) make any statement to an applicant or take any action the purpose or effect of which is to discourage the applicant from registering to vote; or (4) make any statement to an applicant or take any action the purpose or effect of which is to lead the applicant to believe that a decision to register or not to register has any bearing on the availability of services or benefits; and g. make certain that no information relating to a declination to register to vote by an individual in connection with any type of application for service made by that individual at any agency or office is used for any purpose other than voter registration. L.1994,c.182,s.30; amended 1997, c.13, s.12.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-9 Short title

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "REACH Program Act." L. 1987, c. 282, s. 1; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-10 Findings, declarations

The Legislature finds and declares: that providing the means and opportunity for recipients of public assistance to enter the economic mainstream and to realize economic achievement is both a morally right and economically sound investment in the future of our economy, our labor force and our children; that our current welfare system does not do enough to help its recipients become economically self-sufficient even though most people who receive public assistance would rather work or prepare for work than remain indefinitely trapped in the oppressive cycle of welfare dependency; that in this time of increasing international economic competition, the productivity of every worker and potential worker is an important concern for all Americans; that our citizenry has always placed great value on work and self-reliance; and that this State should provide the relevant education, training, employment and supportive services necessary to enable public assistance recipients to realize economic achievement and thereby become self-sufficient. L. 1987, c. 282, s. 2; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-11 Definitions

As used in this act: "Aid to families with dependent children" means the program established pursuant to P.L. 1959, c. 86 (C. 44:10-1 et seq.); "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services; "Recipient of aid to families with dependent children" means a parent or relative with whom a dependent child is living who is receiving benefits under the program of aid to families with dependent children. L. 1987, c. 282, s. 3; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-12 REACH program

The Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioners of Labor, Education, Community Affairs, and Commerce and Economic Development, and the Chancellor of Higher Education, shall establish the "Program for Realizing Economic Achievement," hereinafter referred to as the REACH program, in the Division of Public Welfare in the Department of Human Services for the purpose of enabling recipients of aid to families with dependent children to realize economic achievement through a range of education, training, employment and supportive services, while also focusing on the prevention of long-term dependency for young mothers who are recipients of aid to families with dependent children. L. 1987, c. 282, s. 4; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-13 Powers, duties of commissioner

The Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioners of Labor, Education, Community Affairs, and Commerce and Economic Development, and the Chancellor of Higher Education, shall: a. Adopt rules and regulations, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act; except that no rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this act shall be more restrictive than any provision of federal law, regulations or waiver authority with respect to the employment or training of recipients of aid to families with dependent children; b. Take such actions as are required to ensure that services provided under the REACH program are integrated, to the extent necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act, with employment or training programs provided pursuant to chapter 15B of Title 34 of the Revised Statutes, or with any other federal, State or private program which provides employment, training or vocational services, or a combination thereof; c. Request from the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services such waivers of federal regulations as are necessary to provide supportive services pursuant to subsection e. of section 7 of this act to facilitate the training or employment of recipients of aid to families with dependent children under the REACH program; d. Develop a schedule for the implementation of the REACH program Statewide which will ensure that every county is participating in the program no later than three years after the effective date of this act; e. Develop guidelines to ensure that a current recipient of aid to families with dependent children who resides in a county in which the REACH program is operational and who requests to participate in the REACH program before the program is fully implemented in that recipient's county of residence, receives an evaluation pursuant to section 7 of this act within a reasonable period of time; and f. Seek such grants of monies to fund the REACH program as are available from agencies of the United States Government or private foundations. L. 1987, c. 282, s. 5; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-14 Registration of able-bodied aid recipients

a. Every able-bodied prospective recipient of aid to families with dependent children in this State shall register with the REACH program at the time of enrollment as a recipient and shall participate in one or more program activities with the goal of obtaining permanent full-time unsubsidized employment, preferably in the private sector. An able-bodied current recipient of aid to families with dependent children who is receiving assistance on the effective date of this act shall register with the REACH program no later than three years after the effective date of this act, according to a Statewide implementation schedule for the REACH program established by the commissioner pursuant to section 5 of this act. b. The commissioner shall adopt regulations which specify eligibility and participation requirements under the REACH program for able-bodied recipients of aid to families with dependent children. The regulations shall include exemptions from these requirements for reasons of physical or mental disability or extenuating family circumstances, in accordance with federal regulations. c. An able-bodied recipient of aid to families with dependent children who without good cause, as determined by the commissioner, fails to comply with the provisions of this act is subject to a penalty to be determined by the commissioner, which may include the denial, reduction or termination of aid to families with dependent children benefits. The commissioner shall provide for an appropriate right of appeal under those circumstances. L. 1987, c. 282, s. 6; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-15 Individualized service plans

a. Each participant in the REACH program shall receive educational, training or employment services and supportive services according to an individualized service plan which includes a written contract. The individualized service plan for each participant in the REACH program shall be designed by a designated representative of the commissioner after interviewing the participant and shall be based upon an evaluation of the participant's employment skills and potential, educational background, job experience and interests, and need for supportive services. The contract shall be signed by the participant and the designated representative who shall act as a case manager for the participant, and shall set forth the specific mutual obligations of the participant and the State in the REACH program. The service plan and contract shall be reviewed by both the participant and the designated representative at least every six months and may be revised from time to time according to the needs of both the participant and the State. b. The designated representative acting as a case manager for the participant shall arrange for necessary education or training services, in addition to necessary supportive services, and shall monitor the participant's progress after placement in a job and be available to the participant, as needed. c. The commissioner shall be responsible for providing, at a minimum, the following education, training and employment services under the REACH program: counseling and vocational assessment; intensive remedial education, including instruction in English as a second language; job search assistance; employment skills training focused on a specific job; on-the-job training in an employment setting; and job development and placement. d. A participant in the REACH program shall be trained and placed in a job and field of employment which offers reasonable opportunities for employment security and upward mobility. e. The commissioner shall be responsible for ensuring the availability of, and for providing, the following supportive services under the REACH program for a program participant when no other appropriate source is available therefor and when these services are specified in the contract as necessary to enable the participant to receive program services pursuant to subsection c. of this section. The supportive services shall include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following: (1) child care services for the participant's child which may include care provided at a child care center licensed pursuant to P.L. 1983, c. 492 (C. 30:5B-1 et seq.) or a school age child care program, or at a family day care home approved by the Department of Human Services pursuant to P.L. 1987, c. 27 (C. 30:5B-16 et seq.) or through alternative arrangements which are developed by the designated representative and the REACH participant according to guidelines established by the commissioner; (2) transportation services, to be provided directly by the REACH program or through an allowance or other means of subsidy by which the participant may purchase transportation, which services may be designed and implemented by the Commissioner of Human Services in consultation with the Commissioner of Transportation; and (3) health care coverage through a continuation of Medicaid benefits pursuant to P.L. 1968, c. 413 (C. 30:4D-1 et seq.) in accordance with the provisions of P.L. 1987, c. 283 (C. 30:4D-6b et seq.). Child care services and health care coverage shall be provided to the participant for one year after the commencement of employment by the participant, as necessary. Transportation services may be provided to a participant after the commencement of employment for a limited period of time, but the amount of transportation services assistance shall be reduced, over time, according to a schedule adopted pursuant to regulation which is based on the length of time a participant is employed. L. 1987, c. 282, s. 7; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-16 County planning committees

The Commissioner of Human Services shall establish the REACH program on a county-by-county basis according to a program implementation plan specifically designed to meet the needs of each county. a. The commissioner shall establish a REACH planning committee in each county to determine the most effective way to plan and organize services in that county. The planning committee shall, at a minimum, include the following as voting members: the director of the county welfare agency; a representative of the board of chosen freeholders; a representative of the local Private Industry Council of the service delivery area established pursuant to the "Job Training Partnership Act," Pub.L. 97-300 (29 U.S.C. s. 1501 et al.), or of a successor entity as may be provided by federal law; and the chairperson of the county Human Services Advisory Council. The planning committee may also include as voting members the following: a representative of the local community college; a representative of the county vocational school; a representative of private business or industry in that county; two or more recipients of aid to families with dependent children residing in that county, whose costs of participation in the planning committee shall be borne by the REACH program; county residents who represent the nonprofit and religious communities in the county; and other agencies of the county government, as appropriate. In addition, the planning committee shall include as nonvoting members representatives of the following agencies: the Division of Public Welfare in the Department of Human Services, the Division of Employment Services in the Department of Labor, the Bureau of Adult Education in the Department of Education, the Division of Housing and Development in the Department of Community Affairs and the county representative of the Department of Human Services. b. The committee shall develop a program implementation plan for the county which shall ensure that training, education and employment services provided by the REACH program in that county reflect local needs and resources and that supportive services provided to program participants utilize existing local arrangements wherever possible. The plan shall also designate a county agency to administer the REACH program in the county and to report to the commissioner on program implementation and effectiveness according to criteria and standards established by the commissioner. c. Pursuant to the provisions of the program implementation plan, the commissioner may contract with a county government for the provision of some or all of the services under the REACH program or provide them directly. d. The commissioner shall reimburse a county for 100% of the reasonable costs associated with administration of the REACH program and program services which are not reimbursed by the federal government. L. 1987, c. 282, s. 8; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-17 Reports

a. The commissioner shall submit to the Senate Revenue, Finance and Appropriations Committee and the General Assembly Appropriations Committee, or their successor committees, and the Governor, at the earliest possible date, a REACH program implementation report, including, but not limited to, the following information: a detailed schedule for the implementation of each phase of the REACH program and a description of the services to be provided in each phase, as well as a precise estimate of the number of program participants during each phase of the program and the costs of implementing each phase. b. The commissioner shall provide to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and the Senate Revenue, Finance and Appropriations Committee, or their successor committees, on a quarterly basis a detailed report on the REACH program containing statistical and financial information. The report shall include, but not be limited to, the following information: the number of recipients of aid to families with dependent children who are participating in the program and the number who have been exempted from the program; the kinds of services being provided to program participants and the costs of those services; the number of designated representatives of the commissioner employed by the program and the costs associated with their employment; other administrative costs incurred by the program; the number of program participants who have obtained employment and the average hourly wage and benefits provided by their employers; and the average length of time that program participants remain employed. Each report shall be submitted no later than 60 days after the end of the quarter. c. The Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioners of Labor, Education, Community Affairs, and Commerce and Economic Development, and the Chancellor of Higher Education, shall report to the Governor and the Legislature no later than two years after the effective date of this act, and annually thereafter, on the effectiveness of the REACH program in meeting its objectives, accompanying that report with any recommendations for changes in the law or regulations governing the REACH program that the commissioner deems necessary. L. 1987, c. 282, s. 9; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-18 Independent evaluation

The commissioner shall provide for an independent evaluation of the REACH program by a private entity under contract with the Department of Human Services and shall, no later than three years after the effective date of this act, present to the Governor and the Legislature the results of that evaluation. L. 1987, c. 282, s. 10; per s.11 as amended by s.15 of 1991, c.523, expired July 1, 1995.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-34 Definitions relative to welfare reform, work activity

1. As used in this act: "Alternative work experience" means unpaid work and training only with a public, private nonprofit or private charitable employer that provides a recipient with the experience necessary to adjust to, and learn how to function in, an employment setting and the opportunity to combine that experience with education and job training. An alternative work experience participant shall not be assigned to work for a private, for profit employer. "Assistance unit" means: a single person without dependent children; a couple without dependent children; dependent children only; or a person or couple with one or more dependent children who are legally or blood-related, or who is their legal guardian, and who live together as a household unit. "Benefits" means any assistance provided to needy persons and their dependent children and needy single persons and couples without dependent children under the Work First New Jersey program. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "Community work experience" means unpaid work and training only with a public, private nonprofit or private charitable employer, provided to a recipient when, and to the extent, that such experience is necessary to enable the recipient to adjust to, and learn how to function in, an employment setting. A community work experience participant shall not be assigned to work for a private, for profit employer. "Dependent child" means a child: a. under the age of 18; b. under the age of 19 and a full-time student in a secondary school or an equivalent level of vocational or technical training, if, before the student attains age 19, the student may reasonably be expected to complete the student's program of secondary school or training; or c. under the age of 21 and enrolled in a special education program, who is living in New Jersey with the child's natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian, or with a relative designated by the commissioner in a place of residence maintained by the relative as the relative's home. "Income" means, but is not limited to, commissions, salaries, self-employed earnings, child support and alimony payments, interest and dividend earnings, wages, receipts, unemployment compensation, any legal or equitable interest or entitlement owed that was acquired by a cause of action, suit, claim or counterclaim, insurance benefits, temporary disability claims, estate income, trusts, federal income tax refunds, State income tax refunds, homestead rebates, lottery prizes, casino and racetrack winnings, annuities, retirement benefits, veterans' benefits, union benefits, or other sources that may be defined as income by the commissioner; except that in the event that individual development accounts for recipients are established by regulation of the commissioner, any interest or dividend earnings from such an account shall not be considered income. "Income eligibility standard" means the income eligibility threshold based on assistance unit size established by regulation of the commissioner for benefits provided within the limit of funds appropriated by the Legislature. "Legal guardian" means a person who exercises continuing control over the person or property, or both, of a child, including any specific right of control over an aspect of the child's upbringing, pursuant to a court order. "Poverty level" means the official poverty level based on family size, established and adjusted under Section 673 (2) of Subtitle B of the "Community Services Block Grant Act, " Pub.L.97-35 (42 U.S.C.s. 9902 (2)). "Recipient" means a recipient of benefits under the Work First New Jersey program. "Services" means any Work First New Jersey benefits that are not provided in the form of cash assistance. "Standard of need" means the minimum amount of income and in-kind benefits or services needed by families and single persons living in New Jersey in order to maintain a decent and healthy standard of living, as established by regulation of the commissioner, and shall include necessary items such as housing, utilities, food, work-related transportation, clothing and personal and household essentials. "Title IV-A" means the provisions of Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act governing the program of aid to families with dependent children established pursuant to P.L.1959, c.86 (C.44:10-1 et seq.) and the State Plan to implement those provisions that were in effect on July 16, 1996, including income methodologies for determining eligibility under those provisions and plan. "Title IV-D" means the provisions of Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act governing paternity establishment and child support enforcement activities and requirements. "Work activity" includes, but is not limited to, the following, as defined by regulation of the commissioner: employment; on-the-job training; job search and job readiness assistance; vocational educational training; job skills training related directly to employment; community work experience; alternative work experience; supportive work; community service programs, including the provision of child care as a community service project; in the case of a teenage parent or a recipient under the age of 19 who is expected to graduate or complete their course of study by their 19th birthday, satisfactory attendance at a secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence; and education that is necessary for employment in the case of a person who has not received a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency, a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence, or post-secondary education, when combined with community work experience participation or other approved work activities, including employment. "Work First New Jersey program" or "program" means the program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.). L.1997,c.13,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-35 Evaluation of caregiver's eligibility for benefits

2. A person , other than a natural or adoptive parent or stepparent, who is a care giver to a dependent child who is that care giver's legal or blood relative shall be evaluated to determine whether that person is eligible for benefits if that person's income is not in excess of 150% of the poverty level. L.1997,c.13,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-36 Eligibility of parent for benefits

3. A parent who is eligible for benefits who is married to a person who is not the parent of one or more of the eligible parent's children shall not be eligible for benefits if the household income exceeds the income eligibility standard. The eligible parent's natural children, however, shall be eligible for benefits according to a sliding income scale established by the commissioner, which does not take into account the income of the eligible parent's spouse, if the total annual household income does not exceed 150% of the poverty level. The spouse of the eligible parent and the spouse's natural child, if any, who is living with the family, who is not the eligible parent's natural child, shall not be eligible for benefits. L.1997,c.13,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-37 Certain income disregarded in computing benefit.

4. In computing the cash assistance benefit provided to recipients, the following disregards shall be applied to the earned income of each person in the assistance unit: a. In the case of a recipient who is employed an average of 20 hours or more a week: (1) 100% of the earned income shall be disregarded for the first full month in which the earned income would be counted; (2) 75% of the earned income shall be disregarded for six consecutive months of employment; and (3) 50% of the earned income shall be disregarded for each continuous month of employment thereafter. b. In the case of a recipient who is employed for an average of less than 20 hours a week: (1) 100% of the earned income shall be disregarded for the first full month in which the earned income would be counted; and (2) 50% of the earned income shall be disregarded for each continuous month of employment thereafter. c. If an employable recipient has a documented disability, as defined by the commissioner by regulation, that limits the person from accepting more than20 hours of employment per week, the commissioner may waive the 20 hours or more requirement in subsection a. of this section and provide that the recipient shall be entitled to the 75% earned income disregard for six consecutive months of employment, and the 50% earned income disregard for each continuous month of employment thereafter. L.1997,c.13,s.4; amended 2007, c.97, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-38 Provision of supportive services

5. a. The program shall provide supportive services to a recipient as a last resort when no other source of support is available, except that the recipient shall be required to continuously seek other sources of support. The commissioner shall determine the amounts and extent of the support. The supportive services shall include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following: (1) child care services , including after-school child care in the case of a child over six years of age, for eligible dependent children, to be provided during the recipient's program eligibility period and for 24 consecutive months following ineligibility for benefits as a result of receipt of earned income. An adult recipient who continues to be eligible to receive child care services following ineligibility for benefits, and an adult recipient who is employed but continues to receive benefits, shall pay a copay for child care services in accordance with a sliding fee scale established by the commissioner, which shall be no greater than the child care co-payment schedule established pursuant to N.J.A.C. 10:81-14.18A; (2) transportation services to be provided directly by the program or through an allowance or other means of subsidy by which the recipient may purchase transportation; and (3) a limited allowance for each assistance unit to cover work-related expenses necessary to engage in required work activities, as determined by the commissioner. b. Medical assistance shall be provided to an assistance unit with dependent children pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.), in accordance with the provisions of section 2 of P.L.1987, c.283 (C.30:4D-6c) which provides for a continuation of medical assistance for a period of 24 consecutive months under certain circumstances, except that: (1) coverage solely of the adult head of an assistance unit by an employer's health insurance plan shall not preclude other members of the assistance unit from receiving the additional 24 months of medical assistance; and (2) an assistance unit with dependent children which, using the limits and methodologies contained in Title IV-A, would not be eligible for cash assistance under Title IV-A as a result of the collection of child or spousal support under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.651 et seq.), shall receive an additional four consecutive months of medical assistance beginning with the first month of ineligibility under the provisions of Title IV-A. L.1997,c.13,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-39 Subsidy for campus-based child care

6. A community college which provides campus-based child care and any work activity to a recipient as part of that recipient's individual responsibility plan pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-62), shall receive a subsidy for the provision of child care from the commissioner, in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner. L.1997,c.13,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-40 Medical assistance allowed, certain

7. a. Single adults and couples without dependent children shall not be eligible for medical assistance for inpatient or outpatient hospital care or long-term care under the program, except that medical assistance shall be provided for the following, in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner: (1) inpatient hospitalization costs for a recipient of general public assistance pursuant to P.L.1947, c.156 (C.44:8-107 et seq.) who is admitted to a special hospital licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services which is not eligible to receive a charity care subsidy from the Health Care Subsidy Fund established pursuant to P.L.1992, c.160 (C.26:2H-18.51 et al.) and to which payments were made prior to July 1, 1991 on behalf of patients receiving general public assistance; (2) nursing home costs for a person residing in a non-Medicaid certified nursing facility prior to July 1, 1995, whose income is above the Medicaid institutional cap and who does not otherwise qualify for State-funded nursing home care as a medically needy person pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.), to be paid for out of a separate account from the Medicaid program; which assistance shall continue until the person is no longer eligible for long-term care; and (3) nursing home costs for an alien residing in a Medicaid certified nursing facility prior to the effective date of this act who is not Medicaid-eligible under Pub.L.104-193; which assistance shall continue until the person is no longer eligible for long-term care. b. The provisions of this section shall not affect the eligibility of a single adult or a couple without dependent children for the New Jersey FamilyCare Health Coverage Program established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2000, c.71 (C.30:4J-4). L.1997,c.13,s.7; amended 2000, c.71, s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-41 Report on Work First New Jersey program

8. a. The commissioner, in cooperation with other affected agencies of State government, shall report biennially to the Governor and the Legislature on the Work First New Jersey program, and shall include in that report any recommendations for changes in the law or regulations governing the program that the commissioner deems necessary to further the goals of the program. The commissioner shall determine the manner and terms of the reporting in accordance with the requirements of federal law. b. The commissioner shall issue a public report on at least a quarterly basis concerning the number of recipients in the program, the number of recipients classified as exempt from time limits or deferred from work requirements, the number of recipients classified as to the degree of employability as defined by the commissioner, the number of recipients who have obtained employment, the number of recipients terminated from the program and the reasons for the terminations, the average wages and benefits earned by recipients, the types of employment obtained by recipients and whether the employment is in the public or private sector, the average length of stay in their jobs by recipients who reapply for benefits, and the number of former recipients who have re-entered the program after being terminated. c. To the extent not otherwise provided pursuant to subsection a. or b. of this section, the commissioner shall conduct such research as he deems appropriate to evaluate the outcomes for recipients, and the benefits, costs and other effects of the program, and shall submit any report resulting from that research to the Governor and the Legislature and otherwise make copies available to the public. In addition, the commissioner shall initiate a study of the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps program as a means of offering employment to economically disadvantaged youth that provides constructive work experience and training to increase their ability to secure unsubsidized employment. The commissioner shall study the effectiveness of the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps program and the possibility of establishing such a program in this State. The commissioner shall submit a written report of his findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 1998. L.1997,c.13,s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-42 Establishment, updating of standard of need

9. The commissioner shall establish by regulation a standard of need and update the standard annually. The standard of need shall serve only as a benchmark against which the Legislature may decide on appropriations to fund cash assistance benefits to recipients. L.1997,c.13,s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-43 Rules, regulations

13. The commissioner, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act and to comply with the requirements of Pub.L.104-193. L.1997,c.13,s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-44 Definitions relative to welfare reform, eligibility.

1. As used in this act: "Applicant" means an applicant for benefits provided by the Work First New Jersey program. "Assistance unit" means: a single person without dependent children; a couple without dependent children; dependent children only; or a person or couple with one or more dependent children who are legally or blood-related, or who is their legal guardian, and who live together as a household unit. "Benefits" means any assistance provided to needy persons and their dependent children and needy single persons and couples without dependent children under the Work First New Jersey program. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "County agency" means the county agency that was administering the aid to families with dependent children program at the time the federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-193, was enacted and which, upon the enactment of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-44 et al.) shall also administer the Work First New Jersey program in that county. "Dependent child" means a child: a. under the age of 18; b. under the age of 19 and a full-time student in a secondary school or an equivalent level of vocational or technical training, if, before the student attains age 19, the student may reasonably be expected to complete the student's program of secondary school or training; or c. under the age of 21 and enrolled in a special education program, who is living in New Jersey with the child's natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian, or with a relative designated by the commissioner in a place of residence maintained by the relative as the relative's home. "Eligible alien" means one of the following: a. a qualified alien admitted to the United States prior to August 22, 1996, who is eligible for means-tested, federally funded public benefits pursuant to federal law; b. a refugee, asylee, victim of human trafficking, or person granted withholding of deportation under federal law for the person's first five years after receiving that classification in the United States pursuant to federal law; c. a qualified alien who is a veteran of, or on active duty in, the armed forces of the United States, or the spouse or dependent child of that person pursuant to federal law; d. a recipient of refugee and entrant assistance activities or a Cuban or Haitian entrant pursuant to federal law; e. a legal permanent resident alien who has worked 40 qualifying quarters of coverage as defined under Title II of the federal Social Security Act; except that, for any period after December 31, 1996, a quarter during which an individual received means-tested, federally funded public benefits shall not count toward the total number of quarters; f. a qualified alien admitted to the United States on or after August 22, 1996, who has lived in the United States for at least five years and is eligible for means-tested, federally funded public benefits pursuant to federal law; or g. a qualified alien who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in the United States by a spouse, parent or a member of the spouse or parent's family residing in the same household as the alien, or a qualified alien whose child has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in the United States by a spouse or parent of the alien, without the active participation of the alien, or by a member of the spouse or parent's family residing in the same household as the alien. In either case, the spouse or parent shall have consented or acquiesced to the battery or cruelty and there shall be a substantial connection between the battery or cruelty and the need for benefits to be provided. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to an alien during any period in which the individual responsible for the battery or cruelty resides in the same household or assistance unit as the individual subjected to the battery or cruelty. Benefits shall be provided to the extent and for the period of time that the alien or alien's child is eligible for the program. For the purposes of this section, "qualified alien" is defined pursuant to the provisions of section 431 of Title IV of Pub.L.104-193. "Income" means, but is not limited to, commissions, salaries, self-employed earnings, child support and alimony payments, interest and dividend earnings, wages, receipts, unemployment compensation, any legal or equitable interest or entitlement owed that was acquired by a cause of action, suit, claim or counterclaim, insurance benefits, temporary disability claims, estate income, trusts, federal income tax refunds, State income tax refunds, homestead rebates, lottery prizes, casino and racetrack winnings, annuities, retirement benefits, veterans' benefits, union benefits, or other sources that may be defined as income by the commissioner; except that in the event that individual development accounts for recipients are established by regulation of the commissioner, any interest or dividend earnings from such an account shall not be considered income. "Income eligibility standard" means the income eligibility threshold based on assistance unit size established by regulation of the commissioner for benefits provided within the limit of funds appropriated by the Legislature. "Legal guardian" means a person who exercises continuing control over the person or property, or both, of a child, including any specific right of control over an aspect of the child's upbringing, pursuant to a court order. "Non-needy caretaker" means a relative caring for a dependent child, or a legal guardian of a minor child who, in the absence of a natural or adoptive parent, assumes parental responsibility and has income which exceeds the income eligibility standard but is less than 150% of the State median income adjusted for household size. "Recipient" means a recipient of benefits under the Work First New Jersey program. "Resources" means all real and personal property as defined by the commissioner; except that in the event that individual development accounts for recipients are established by regulation of the commissioner, all funds in such an account, up to the limit determined by the commissioner, including any interest or dividend earnings from such an account, shall not be considered to be a resource. "Services" means any Work First New Jersey benefits that are not provided in the form of cash assistance. "Title IV-D" means the provisions of Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act governing paternity establishment and child support enforcement activities and requirements. "Work First New Jersey program" or "program" means the program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.). L.1997,c.14,s.1; amended 2007, c.97, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-45 Determination of eligibility for benefits

2. a. Benefits under the Work First New Jersey program shall be determined according to standards of income and resources established by the commissioner. These standards shall take into account, for the determination of eligibility and the provision of benefits, all income and resources of all persons in the assistance unit of which the applicant or recipient is a member, except as provided by law governing the Work First New Jersey program and as prescribed by the commissioner. The benefits to be granted shall be governed by standards established by regulation of the commissioner. The commissioner may set income and resource eligibility and benefits standards that differ with respect to types of assistance units. b. A recipient, as a condition of eligibility for benefits, shall, subject to good cause exceptions as defined by the commissioner, be required to: do all acts stated herein necessary to establish the paternity of a child born out-of-wedlock, and to establish and participate in the enforcement of child support obligations; cooperate with work requirements established by the commissioner; make application for any other assistance for which members of the assistance unit may be eligible; be income and resource eligible as defined by the commissioner, including the deeming of income and resources as appropriate; provide all necessary documentation which shall include the federal Social Security number for all assistance unit members, except for an eligible alien who cannot be assigned a Social Security number due to his status, or make application for same; sign an agreement to repay benefits in the event of receipt of income or resources; and comply with personal identification requirements as a condition of receiving benefits, which may employ the use of high technology processes for the detection of fraud. c. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation to the contrary, an applicant shall not be eligible for benefits when the applicant's eligibility is the result of a voluntary cessation of employment without good cause, as determined by the commissioner, within 90 days prior to the date of application for benefits. d. A voluntary assignment or transfer of income or resources within one year prior to the time of application for benefits for the purpose of qualifying therefor shall render the applicant and the applicant's assistance unit members ineligible for benefits for a period of time determined by regulation of the commissioner. e. Any income or resources that are exempted by federal law for purposes of eligibility for benefits shall not reduce the amount of benefits received by a recipient and shall not be subject to a lien or be available for repayment to the State or county agency for benefits received by the individual. L.1997,c.14,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-46 Eligibility for persons with less than one year of State residence

3. A recipient who has resided in New Jersey for less than 12 consecutive months shall be eligible to receive cash assistance benefits in the amount that the recipient would have received from the recipient's immediately prior state of residence if that amount is less than the cash assistance benefits provided by the program. This limitation on cash assistance benefits shall apply until the recipient has resided in New Jersey for 12 consecutive months. L.1997,c.14,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-47 Disclosure of applicant information

4. Information concerning applicants or recipients shall not be disclosed except for purposes directly connected with the administration of the program, in accordance with regulations to be adopted by the commissioner. Any person or entity under contract to provide services to the program shall comply with these regulations. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit the exchange of information among agencies, organizations, or other entities as prescribed by the commissioner or pursuant to federal requirements. L.1997,c.14,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-48 Eligibility of citizens, eligible aliens.

5. a. Only those persons who are United States citizens or eligible aliens shall be eligible for benefits under the Work First New Jersey program. Single adults or couples without dependent children who are legal aliens who meet federal requirements and have applied for citizenship, shall not receive benefits for more than six months unless (1) they attain citizenship, or (2) they have passed the English language and civics components for citizenship, and are awaiting final determination of citizenship by the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service. b. The following persons shall not be eligible for assistance and shall not be considered to be members of an assistance unit: (1) non-needy caretakers, except that the eligibility of a dependent child shall not be affected by the income or resources of a non-needy caretaker; (2) Supplemental Security Income recipients, except for the purposes of receiving emergency assistance benefits pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51); (3) illegal aliens; (4) other aliens who are not eligible aliens; (5) a person absent from the home who is incarcerated in a federal, State, county or local corrective facility or under the custody of correctional authorities, except as provided by regulation of the commissioner; (6) a person who: is fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody or confinement after conviction, under the laws of the jurisdiction from which the person has fled, for a crime or an attempt to commit a crime which is a felony or a high misdemeanor under the laws of the jurisdiction from which the person has fled; or is violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under federal or state law; (7) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.312) (8) a person found to have fraudulently misrepresented his residence in order to obtain means-tested, public benefits in two or more states or jurisdictions, who shall be ineligible for benefits for a period of 10 years from the date of conviction in a federal or state court; or (9) a person who intentionally makes a false or misleading statement or misrepresents, conceals or withholds facts for the purpose of receiving benefits, who shall be ineligible for benefits for a period of six months for the first violation, 12 months for the second violation, and permanently for the third violation. c. A person who makes a false statement with the intent to qualify for benefits and by reason thereof receives benefits for which the person is not eligible is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. d. Pursuant to the authorization provided to the states under 21 U.S.C. s.862a(d)(1), this State elects to exempt from the application of 21 U.S.C. s.862a(a): (1) needy persons and their dependent children domiciled in New Jersey for the purposes of receiving benefits under the Work First New Jersey program and food assistance under the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-234 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.); and (2) single persons and married couples without dependent children domiciled in New Jersey for the purposes of receiving food assistance under Pub.L.110-234. L.1997, c.14, s.5; amended 1999, c.427, s.2; 2009, c.328, s.1; 2014, c.1, s.2; 2016, c.69; 2021, c.312, s.17.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-49 Assignment of child support rights by signing application for benefits.

6. a. The signing of an application for benefits under the Work First New Jersey Program shall constitute an assignment of any child support rights pursuant to Title IV-D on behalf of individual assistance unit members to the county agency. The assignment shall terminate with respect to current support rights when a determination is made by the county agency that the person in the assistance unit is no longer eligible for benefits. The determination of the amount of repayment to the county agency and distribution of any unpaid support obligations that have accrued during the period of receipt of benefits shall be determined by regulation of the commissioner in accordance with federal law. b. The county agency shall pass through to the assistance unit the full amount of the current child support collected on behalf of a child in those circumstances defined by the commissioner. c. An assistance unit eligible for benefits and in receipt of child support shall receive, in addition to its regular grant of cash assistance benefits, a monthly amount of child support based on the current child support received for the month, as determined by regulations adopted by the commissioner, and in accordance with federal law. L.1997, c.14, s.6; amended 2008, c.101, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-50 Absent child, eligibility for benefits

7. a. A dependent child who has been or is expected by a parent, legal guardian or caretaker relative to be absent from the home for a period of time as established by regulation of the commissioner, shall remain eligible for benefits during that period, except that, an absence for periods or for reasons other than those stipulated in regulations adopted by the commissioner shall be cause for denial or termination of benefits for that dependent child. b. A parent, legal guardian or caretaker relative who does not report the absence of a dependent child to the county agency by the end of the five-day period beginning on the day that the parent, legal guardian or caretaker relative becomes aware that the child will be absent, shall be ineligible for benefits pursuant to federal law for a period of time as determined by the commissioner. L.1997,c.14,s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-51 Provision of emergency assistance.

8. a. Emergency assistance shall be provided only to recipients of Work First New Jersey and persons receiving Supplemental Security Income pursuant to P.L.1973, c.256 (C.44:7-85 et seq.) in emergent situations. The standards for eligibility shall be established by the commissioner by regulation, except that emergency assistance shall be granted to an individual or family in which the individual or family is in a state of homelessness or imminent homelessness that, according to a signed attestation by the applicant, is the result of imminent or demonstrated domestic violence that may imperil the health and safety of the individual or family. Emergency assistance shall be provided for up to 12 cumulative months, regardless of whether the recipient receives emergency assistance as a recipient of Work First New Jersey, as a recipient of Supplemental Security Income, or pursuant to a combination thereof, except that: (1) the commissioner may provide for an extension of emergency assistance for up to six additional months to a family with dependent children, if the commissioner determines that a case of extreme hardship exists. The commissioner shall review each such case on a monthly basis during the six-month period and shall continue the emergency assistance only if the commissioner determines, based upon the monthly review, that the extreme hardship continues to exist. If the extreme hardship continues to exist at the end of the six-month period, the commissioner may provide an additional six months of emergency assistance to no more than 10 percent of those families with dependent children which are receiving temporary rental assistance under the emergency assistance component of the program, based upon the most current data available; (2) the commissioner may provide for an extension of emergency assistance for up to six additional months to no more than 10 percent of single adults and couples without dependent children who are receiving temporary rental assistance under the emergency assistance component of the program, if the commissioner determines that a case of extreme hardship exists. The commissioner shall review each such case on a monthly basis during the six-month period and shall continue the emergency assistance only if the commissioner determines, based upon the monthly review, that the extreme hardship continues to exist; (3) the commissioner shall provide for an extension of emergency assistance to an individual, if the commissioner determines that the individual is: (a) the parent or other relative of a disabled child or other disabled dependent who must provide full-time care for the disabled child or other disabled dependent, as defined by regulation of the commissioner; (b) permanently disabled, including, but not limited to, a person eligible for disability insurance benefits under Title II of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.401 et seq.), as defined by regulation of the commissioner; (c) over 60 years of age; or (d) chronically unemployable as defined by regulation of the commissioner. The commissioner shall review each individual's eligibility for emergency assistance every six months and shall continue the emergency assistance if the commissioner determines, based upon the review, that the individual continues to meet the criteria established pursuant to this paragraph (3); and (4) (a) subject to the requirements of subsection h. of this section, the commissioner shall provide that all months of emergency assistance received more than 84 months from the date of application for emergency assistance shall not be counted toward the cumulative 12-month limit of emergency assistance as required pursuant to this subsection. (b) The Department of Human Services shall provide case management services to an individual receiving emergency assistance pursuant to this paragraph. As used in this subparagraph: "case management services" means personalized services to assist an individual or a family receiving emergency assistance pursuant to subparagraph (a) of this paragraph focusing on housing stability and delivery of services related to housing needs that can be addressed within a set time frame and available resources. (c) In no case shall any individual provided emergency assistance pursuant to subparagraph (a) of this paragraph be provided a cumulative total of more than 24 months of emergency assistance pursuant to this subsection, provided that extensions of emergency assistance provided pursuant to paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection shall not count toward the cumulative total of 24 months. b. A person receiving emergency assistance shall contribute from the person's income toward the payment of all emergency shelter arrangements, including temporary housing and temporary rental assistance, in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner. As a condition of receipt of emergency assistance, a person shall be required to take all reasonable steps to end the person's dependency on emergency assistance and take all other actions required by the commissioner. c. The commissioner shall adopt regulations to establish classifications for hotel or motel per diem rates in accordance with the level of enhanced services provided at a participating hotel or motel. d. The provisions of this section shall apply to a person who receives general public assistance pursuant to P.L.1947, c.156 (C.44:8-107 et seq.) after the effective date of this act and is subsequently transferred directly into the Work First New Jersey program. e. The commissioner shall require that identifying information for all individuals who receive emergency assistance pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall be entered into the Foothold Homeless Management Information System, or a similar electronic database as designated by the commissioner. The identifying information shall include: an individual identifier of the recipient; the amount and type of emergency assistance delivered to the recipient; and the time period in which emergency assistance was provided to the recipient. The information shall be compiled by the Division of Family Development on an annual basis and submitted to the Legislature no later than April 1 of the current calendar year for expenditures in the prior calendar year. f. Recipients of emergency assistance benefits shall be notified, in writing, of any termination or modification of the recipient's emergency assistance benefits at least 30 days prior to the termination or modification of the recipient's emergency assistance benefits. g. Section 9 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-52) shall apply to any denial, termination, or modification of emergency assistance benefits. h. Of the total revenues appropriated to the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services during any fiscal year, no more than $20 million shall be available for the cost of emergency assistance provided pursuant to subparagraph (a) of paragraph (4) of subsection a. of this section, and no more than $5 million shall be available for the cost of case management services provided pursuant to subparagraph (b) of paragraph (4) of subsection a. of this section. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require that emergency assistance be awarded on any basis other than by the order in which applications are received. In no case shall the monthly allotment of emergency assistance awarded to any individual be reduced based on the overall limit on emergency assistance funds established pursuant to this subsection, and no additional emergency assistance shall be awarded pursuant to paragraph (4) of subsection a. of this section once the overall limit on emergency assistance funds established pursuant to this subsection has been reached. i. The commissioner shall annually report to the Legislature, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), the number of recipients deemed ineligible for emergency assistance on the grounds that the individual has reached the maximum period of emergency assistance allowed pursuant to this section, and the total number of months of emergency assistance provided by the department pursuant to subsection a. of this section. L.1997, c.14, s.8; amended 2017, c.273; 2018, c.164; 2019, c.74.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-51.1 Emergency assistance payments, repayments.

1. The Commissioner of Human Services shall not count months of emergency assistance, which were repaid to a county or municipal agency, in accordance with the agreement to repay, toward a recipient's time limit, as established by section 8 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51), for the receipt of emergency assistance. L.2017, c.34, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-51.2 Rules, regulations.

2. The Commissioner of Human Services shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.2017, c.34, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-52 Opportunity for hearing

9. The commissioner shall assure that an applicant or recipient shall be afforded the opportunity for a hearing if the applicant's or recipient's claim for benefits is denied, reduced, suspended, terminated or not acted upon within a reasonable time, in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner. A recipient shall continue to receive the recipient's current benefits pending the outcome of the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted by the Office of Administrative Law in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). L.1997,c.14,s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-53 Waiving compliance with Work First New Jersey program for certain projects

10. In the case of an experimental, pilot or demonstration project which in the judgment of the commissioner is likely to assist in promoting the objectives of the Work First New Jersey program, or to promote the objectives of the Title IV-D child support enforcement program in the State, the commissioner may waive compliance with the requirements of the Work First New Jersey program to the extent the commissioner deems necessary to carry out the project and for a period of time not to exceed three years, during which time the commissioner shall report to the Legislature on the progress of the project at least every six months; except that the commissioner shall not waive compliance with the provisions of subsection h. of section 8 of P.L. 1997, c.38 (C.44:10-62) or implement a pilot or demonstration project that circumvents or obstructs a collective bargaining agreement. The commissioner shall provide an opportunity for public comment prior to the implementation of the project. The commissioner shall establish any fiscal or evaluative terms and conditions for the project that he deems appropriate. L.1997,c.14,s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-54 Rules, regulations

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-55 Short title

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Work First New Jersey Act." L.1997,c.38,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-56 Findings, declarations relative to Work First New Jersey Program.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-193, establishes the federal block grant for temporary assistance for needy families and provides the opportunity for a state to establish and design its own welfare program; b. Work and the earning of income promote the best interests of families and children; c. Working individuals and families needing temporary assistance should have the transitional support necessary to obtain and keep a job in order to be able to avoid cycling back onto public assistance; d. Teenage pregnancy is counter to the best interests of children; e. Successful welfare reform requires the active involvement of the private sector as well as all departments of State government; f. Personal and family security and stability, including the protection of children and vulnerable adults, are important to the establishment and maintenance of successful family life and childhood development and a family's inability or failure to qualify for benefits under the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to this act shall not in and of itself be the basis for the separation of a dependent child from his family or the justification for the resource family care placement of a dependent child; g. Children and teenagers need the benefits of the support and guidance which a family structure provides; the welfare system has provided a vehicle for breaking up families by giving teenage mothers the means to shift their financial dependence from their parents to the State; in the process, these youths deprive themselves of the education and family structure necessary to support themselves and their babies; and the support and structure provided by families are important to the development of a child's maximum potential; and h. The Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to this act incorporates and builds upon the fundamental concepts of the Family Development Initiative established pursuant to P.L.1991, c.523 (C.44:10-19 et seq.) in a manner that is consistent with the federal program of temporary assistance for needy families, by establishing requirements for: time limits on cash assistance; the participation of recipients in work activities; enhanced efforts to establish paternity and establish and enforce child support obligations; sanctions for failure to comply with program requirements; a cap on the use of funds for administrative costs; the maintenance of State and county financial support of the program; teenage parent recipients to live at home and finish high school; and restrictions on eligibility for benefits for aliens. L.1997,c.38,s.2; amended 2004, c.130, s.117.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-57 Definitions relative to Work First New Jersey program

3. As used in this act: "Alternative work experience" means unpaid work and training only with a public, private nonprofit or private charitable employer that provides a recipient with the experience necessary to adjust to, and learn how to function in, an employment setting and the opportunity to combine that experience with education and job training. An alternative work experience participant shall not be assigned to work for a private, for profit employer. "Applicant" means an applicant for benefits provided by the Work First New Jersey program. "Assistance unit" means: a single person without dependent children; a couple without dependent children; dependent children only; or a person or couple with one or more dependent children who are legally or blood-related, or who is their legal guardian, and who live together as a household unit. "Benefits" means any assistance provided to needy persons and their dependent children and needy single persons and couples without dependent children under the Work First New Jersey program. "Case management" means the provision of certain services to Work First New Jersey recipients, which shall include an assessment and development of an individual responsibility plan. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "Community work experience" means unpaid work and training only with a public, private nonprofit or private charitable employer provided to a recipient when, and to the extent, that such experience is necessary to enable the recipient to adjust to, and learn how to function in, an employment setting. A community work experience participant shall not be assigned to work for a private, for profit employer. "County agency" means the county agency that was administering the aid to families with dependent children program at the time the federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-193, was enacted and which, upon the enactment of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.) shall also administer the Work First New Jersey program in that county. "Dependent child" means a child: a. under the age of 18; b. under the age of 19 and a full-time student in a secondary school or an equivalent level of vocational or technical training, if, before the student attains age 19, the student may reasonably be expected to complete the student's program of secondary school or training; or c. under the age of 21 and enrolled in a special education program, who is living in New Jersey with the child's natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian, or with a relative designated by the commissioner in a place of residence maintained by the relative as the relative's home. "Eligible alien" means one of the following: a. a qualified alien admitted to the United States prior to August 22, 1996, who is eligible for means-tested, federally funded public benefits pursuant to federal law; b. a refugee, asylee, or person granted withholding of deportation under federal law for the person's first five years after receiving that classification in the United States pursuant to federal law; c. a qualified alien who is a veteran of, or on active duty in, the armed forces of the United States, or the spouse or dependent child of that person pursuant to federal law; d. a recipient of refugee and entrant assistance activities or a Cuban or Haitian entrant pursuant to federal law; e. a legal permanent resident alien who has worked 40 qualifying quarters of coverage as defined under Title II of the federal Social Security Act; except that, for any period after December 31, 1996, a quarter during which an individual received means-tested, federally funded public benefits shall not count toward the total number of quarters; f. a qualified alien admitted to the United States on or after August 22, 1996, who has lived in the United States for at least five years and is eligible for means-tested, federally funded public benefits pursuant to federal law ; or g. a qualified alien who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in the United States by a spouse, parent or a member of the spouse or parent's family residing in the same household as the alien, or a qualified alien whose child has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in the United States by a spouse or parent of the alien, without the active participation of the alien, or by a member of the spouse or parent's family residing in the same household as the alien. In either case, the spouse or parent shall have consented or acquiesced to the battery or cruelty and there shall be a substantial connection between the battery or cruelty and the need for benefits to be provided. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to an alien during any period in which the individual responsible for the battery or cruelty resides in the same household or assistance unit as the individual subjected to the battery or cruelty. Benefits shall be provided to the extent and for the period of time that the alien or alien's child is eligible for the program. For the purposes of this section, "qualified alien" is defined pursuant to the provisions of section 431 of Title IV of Pub.L.104-193. "Full-time post-secondary student" means a student enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours in a post-secondary school. "Income" means, but is not limited to, commissions, salaries, self-employed earnings, child support and alimony payments, interest and dividend earnings, wages, receipts, unemployment compensation, any legal or equitable interest or entitlement owed that was acquired by a cause of action, suit, claim or counterclaim, insurance benefits, temporary disability claims, estate income, trusts, federal income tax refunds, State income tax refunds, homestead rebates, lottery prizes, casino and racetrack winnings, annuities, retirement benefits, veterans' benefits, union benefits, or other sources that may be defined as income by the commissioner; except that in the event that individual development accounts for recipients are established by regulation of the commissioner, any interest or dividend earnings from such an account shall not be considered income. "Legal guardian" means a person who exercises continuing control over the person or property, or both, of a child, including any specific right of control over an aspect of the child's upbringing, pursuant to a court order. "Program" means the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to this act. "Recipient" means a recipient of benefits under the Work First New Jersey program. "Resources" means all real and personal property as defined by the commissioner; except that in the event that individual development accounts for recipients are established by regulation of the commissioner, all funds in such an account, up to the limit determined by the commissioner, including any interest or dividend earnings from such an account, shall not be considered to be a resource. "Title IV-D" means the provisions of Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act governing paternity establishment and child support enforcement activities and requirements. "Work activity" includes, but is not limited to, the following, as defined by regulation of the commissioner: employment; on-the-job training; job search and job readiness assistance; vocational educational training; job skills training related directly to employment; community work experience; alternative work experience; supportive work; community service programs, including the provision of child care as a community service project; in the case of teenage parents or recipients under the age of 19 who are expected to graduate or complete their course of study by their 19th birthday, satisfactory attendance at a secondary school or in a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence; and education that is necessary for employment in the case of a person who has not received a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency, a course of study leading to a certificate of general equivalence, or post-secondary education, when combined with community work experience participation or another work activity approved by the commissioner, including employment. L.1997,c.38,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-58 Establishment of Work First New Jersey program

4. a. The Work First New Jersey program is established in the Department of Human Services. The commissioner shall take such actions as are necessary to implement and operate the program in accordance with the provisions of the federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-193. The commissioner may delegate to the Commissioner of Labor, by agreement, any responsibility to assist a person in the transition to a work activity. b. The program shall replace programs which were in effect prior to the enactment of this act, including : aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) pursuant to P.L.1959, c.86 (C.44:10-1 et seq.) and emergency assistance for AFDC recipient families; general public assistance (GA) pursuant to P.L.1947, c.156 (C.44:8-107 et seq.), emergency assistance for GA recipients, and the GA employability program; and the Family Development Initiative established pursuant to P.L.1991, c.523 (C.44:10-19 et seq.). L.1997,c.38,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-59 Primary responsibility for support; benefits eligibility

5. a. All adult persons, except as otherwise provided by law governing the Work First New Jersey program, are charged with the primary responsibility of supporting and maintaining themselves and their dependents; the primary responsibility for the support and maintenance of minor children is that of the parents and family of those children; and benefits shall be provided only when other means of support and maintenance are not present to support the assistance unit. b. Benefits shall be temporary and serve the primary goal of fostering self-sufficiency. Failure to cooperate with any of the program eligibility requirements without good cause, as determined by the commissioner, shall result in ineligibility for benefits for some or all assistance unit members. c. If the county agency or municipal welfare agency, as appropriate, determines, based upon an applicant's written statement signed under oath, that the applicant is in immediate need of benefits because the applicant's available resources are insufficient , as determined by the commissioner, to meet the minimal current living expenses pursuant to regulations adopted by the commissioner, of the applicant's assistance unit, the county agency or municipal welfare agency shall issue cash assistance benefits to the applicant on the date of application, subject to the applicant meeting all other program eligibility requirements. d. The commissioner shall establish by regulation, standards and procedures to screen and identify recipients with a history of being subjected to domestic violence and refer these recipients to counseling and supportive services. The commissioner may waive program requirements, including, but not limited to, the time limit on benefits pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1997, c.37 (C.44:10-72), residency requirements pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-60), child support cooperation requirements pursuant to subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-45) and the limitation on increase of cash assistance benefits as a result of the birth of a child pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-61), in cases where compliance with such requirements would make it more difficult for a recipient to escape domestic violence or unfairly penalize the recipient who is or has been victimized by such violence, or who is at risk of further domestic violence. e. The commissioner shall establish regulations determining eligibility and other requirements of the Work First New Jersey program. Regulations shall include provisions for the deeming of income, when appropriate, which include situations involving the sponsor of an eligible alien in accordance with federal law, and legally responsible relatives of assistance unit members. L.1997,c.38,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-59.1 "State WFNJ Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Pilot Program" established.

1. a. There is established in the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services the State WFNJ Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Pilot Program. Under the pilot program, the division shall distribute to each menstruator participating in WFNJ who is 18 to 50 years of age a monthly State benefit of $14 to defray the costs of menstrual hygiene products. The director of the division shall establish a process to distribute the $14 monthly State benefit via the participant's existing WFNJ electronic benefits card on the same issuance date as the participant's standard WFNJ benefits. A participant shall be required to use any monthly State benefit issued pursuant to this section for menstrual hygiene products. The division shall educate participants that the purpose of the additional benefit is for the purchase of menstrual hygiene products. Any unspent funds from a participant's monthly State WFNJ Menstrual Hygiene Benefit shall be subject to WFNJ program benefit expungement and aging rules. b. As used in this section, "Menstrual hygiene products" means tampons, menstrual cups, or sanitary napkins used to collect or absorb menstrual fluids. "WFNJ" means the Work First New Jersey Program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.) in accordance with authorization received under Title IV of the federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-193 (8 U.S.C. s.1601 et seq.), and includes both the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and the General Assistance program. L.2024, c.27, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-59.2 "State WFNJ Diaper Benefit Pilot Program" established.

2. a. There is established in the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services the State WFNJ Diaper Benefit Pilot Program. Under the pilot program, the division shall distribute to each person participating in WFNJ a monthly State benefit of $30 for each dependent of the person who is under 36 months of age to defray the costs of diaper products. The director of the division shall establish a process to distribute the $30 monthly State benefit via the participant's existing WFNJ electronic benefits card on the same issuance date as the participant's standard WFNJ benefits. A participant shall be required to use any monthly State benefit issued pursuant to this section for diaper products. The division shall educate participants that the purpose of the additional benefit is for the purchase of diaper products. Any unspent funds from a participant's monthly State WFNJ Diaper Benefit shall be subject to WFNJ program benefit expungement and aging rules. b. As used in this section, "WFNJ" means the Work First New Jersey program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.) in accordance with authorization received under Title IV of the federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-193 (8 U.S.C. s.1601 et seq.). L.2024, c.27, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-59.3 Report to Governor, Legislature.

3. No later than one month following the completion of the State WFNJ Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Pilot Program and the State WFNJ Diaper Benefit Pilot Program established pursuant to this act, the Commissioner of Human Services shall prepare and submit to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), the Legislature a report evaluating the effectiveness of the State WFNJ Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Pilot Program and the State WFNJ Diaper Benefit Pilot Program, which report shall include, but not be limited to, the number of participants who benefited from each pilot program and any recommendations for policy or legislative action to continue or improve the pilot programs. L.2024, c.27, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-60 Requirements for benefits for individuals under 18 with a dependent child

6. a. If an applicant or recipient is less than 18 years of age, has never married, and is pregnant or is caring for a dependent child, the applicant or recipient shall be required, as a condition of eligibility for benefits for the applicant or recipient and the applicant's or recipient's dependent child to: (1) reside in a home maintained by, and have the benefits paid to, the applicant's or recipient's parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative; and (2) regularly attend a high school or equivalency program of study; or (3) engage in a work activity if the applicant or recipient has completed secondary education. b. The commissioner shall exempt from the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section an applicant or recipient who, as determined by the commissioner during the application or eligibility redetermination process, as appropriate, presents evidence that the parent, legal guardian or other adult relative with whom the applicant or recipient would otherwise be required to reside in order to be eligible for benefits: (1) refuses or is unable to allow the applicant or recipient, or that person's dependent child, to reside in that adult's home; (2) poses a threat to the emotional health or physical safety of the applicant or recipient; (3) has physically or sexually abused the applicant or recipient, or the applicant's or recipient's dependent child, or poses a risk of doing so; or (4) has exhibited neglect with respect to the needs of the applicant or recipient and the applicant's or recipient's dependent child. In making the determination to exempt an applicant or recipient who is under 18 years of age pursuant to this subsection, the commissioner shall obtain information directly from that applicant or recipient when there has been any known circumstance or incident of physical or sexual abuse, or upon the request of that applicant or recipient. c. In the case of an applicant or recipient and the applicant's or recipient's dependent child who are exempted from the requirements of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section, in accordance with subsection b. of this section, the county agency , pursuant to guidelines established by the commissioner, shall make a determination as to the most appropriate living arrangement that would be in the best interest of the applicant or recipient and the applicant's or recipient's dependent child. d. The commissioner shall exempt from the provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section an applicant or recipient whom the commissioner determines, based upon an assessment of the person's ability and aptitude, lacks a reasonable prospect of being able to successfully complete the academic requirements of a high school or equivalency program of study. e. The commissioner may also exempt an applicant or recipient from the provisions of subsection a. of this section, if the commissioner otherwise determines that the exemption would be in the best interest of that applicant or recipient and the applicant's or recipient's dependent child. f. The commissioner shall provide an appropriate appeal mechanism for an applicant or recipient to present evidence that would provide the basis for an exemption pursuant to this section. L.1997,c.38,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-62 Adult recipient to seek employment.

8. a. As defined by the commissioner, each adult recipient shall continuously and actively seek employment in an effort to remove the assistance unit of which the recipient is a member from the program. A recipient may be assigned to a work activity as determined by the commissioner. The recipient shall sign an individual responsibility plan, as provided in subsection f. of this section, in order to be able to participate in the program, which shall indicate the terms of the work activity requirements that the recipient must fulfill in order to continue to receive benefits. b. In accordance with Pub.L.104-193 (42 U.S.C. s. 601 et seq.), a recipient in an assistance unit with dependent children shall commence participation in a work activity, self-directed job search or other activities as determined by the commissioner at some time prior to having received 24 months of benefits; except that if the recipient is a full-time post-secondary student in a course of study related to employment as defined by regulation of the commissioner, the recipient shall be required to engage in another work activity for no more than 15 hours a week, subject to the recipient making satisfactory progress toward the completion of the post-secondary course of study as determined by the commissioner. c. A recipient shall comply with work activity participation requirements as a condition of remaining eligible for benefits. In accordance with the requirements of Pub.L.104-193 (42 U.S.C. s. 601 et seq.), a minimum participation rate of 25 percent shall be realized in federal fiscal year 1997. The participation rate shall increase by 5 percent in each federal fiscal year to a level of 50 percent in federal fiscal year 2002 and thereafter. For two-parent assistance units with dependent children receiving benefits, the participation rate shall be 75 percent for federal fiscal years 1997 and 1998 and 90 percent in federal fiscal year 1999 and thereafter. The participation rate shall be calculated in accordance with federal requirements. A recipient may be required to participate in one or more work activities for a maximum aggregate hourly total of 40 hours per week. d. A recipient shall not be required to engage in a work activity if child care, including the unavailability of after-school child care for children over six years of age, is unavailable for the recipient's dependent child, as determined by regulation of the commissioner. e. A recipient may temporarily be deferred from work activity requirements as provided for by the commissioner if the recipient is: (1) a woman in the third trimester of pregnancy; (2) a person certified by an examining legally licensed physician or legally licensed certified nurse midwife, acting within the scope of the practitioner's profession, to be unable, by reason of a physical or mental defect, disease or impairment, to engage in any gainful occupation for any period less than 12 months; or (3) the parent or relative of a child under the age of 12 weeks who is providing care for that child, except that, the deferral may be extended for an appropriate period of time if determined to be medically necessary for the parent or child. f. Upon a determination of eligibility for benefits, each adult recipient not otherwise deferred or exempted under this act shall be given an assessment of that person's potential and readiness for work, including, but not limited to, skills, education, past work experience and any barriers to securing employment, including a screening and assessment for substance use disorder, as appropriate. For all recipients not deferred or exempt, an annual individual responsibility plan shall be developed jointly by the county agency or municipal welfare agency, as appropriate, and the recipient specifying the steps that will be taken by each to assist the recipient to secure employment. The individual responsibility plan shall include specific goals for each adult member or minor parent in the assistance unit, and may include specific goals for a dependent child member of the assistance unit. The goals, as determined by regulation of the commissioner, shall include, but not be limited to, requirements for parental participation in a dependent child's primary school program, immunizations for a dependent child, and regular school attendance by a dependent child. Recipients who are job ready shall be placed immediately in a self-directed job search. Within the amount of funds allocated by the commissioner for this purpose, other recipients shall be placed in an appropriate work activity as indicated by their individual assessments. g. The county agency or municipal welfare agency, as appropriate, shall ensure the provision of necessary case management for recipients, as appropriate to their degree of job readiness, pursuant to regulations adopted by the commissioner. The most intensive case management shall be directed to those recipients facing the most serious barriers to employment. h. (1) A recipient shall not be placed or utilized in a position at a particular workplace: (a) that was previously filled by a regular employee if that position, or a substantially similar position at that workplace, has been made vacant through a demotion, substantial reduction of hours or a layoff of a regular employee in the previous 12 months, or has been eliminated by the employer at any time during the previous 12 months; (b) in a manner that infringes upon a wage rate or an employment benefit, or violates the contractual overtime provisions of a regular employee at that workplace; (c) in a manner that violates an existing collective bargaining agreement or a statutory provision that applies to that workplace; (d) in a manner that supplants or duplicates a position in an existing, approved apprenticeship program; (e) by or through an employment agency or temporary help service firm as a community work experience or alternative work experience worker; (f) if there is a contractual or statutory recall right to that position at that workplace; or (g) if there is an ongoing strike or lockout at that workplace. (2) A person who believes that he has been adversely affected by a violation of this subsection, or the organization that is duly authorized to represent the collective bargaining unit to which that person belongs, shall be afforded an opportunity to meet with a designee of the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development or the Governor's Office of Employee Relations, as appropriate. The designee shall attempt to resolve the complaint of the alleged violation within 30 days of the date of the request for the meeting. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Governor's Office of Employee Relations, shall adopt regulations to effectuate the provisions of this subsection. In the event that the complaint is not resolved within the 30-day period, the complainant may appeal to the New Jersey State Board of Mediation in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development for expedited binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the board. If the arbitrator determines that a violation has occurred, the arbitrator shall provide an appropriate remedy. The cost of the arbitration shall be borne equally by both parties to the dispute. (3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent a collective bargaining agreement from containing additional protections for a regular employee. i. The commissioner, acting in conjunction with the Commissioners of Banking and Insurance, Community Affairs, Education, Health, Labor and Workforce Development and Transportation, shall implement all elements of the program and establish initiatives to assist in moving recipients towards self-sufficiency. j. The commissioner shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure that the program meets the requirements to qualify for the maximum amount of federal funds due the State under Pub.L.104-193 (42 U.S.C. s. 601 et seq.). k. The commissioner is authorized to seek such waivers from the federal government as are necessary to accomplish the goals of the program. L.1997, c.38, s.8; amended 2009, c.114, s.3; 2023, c.177, s.127.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-62.1 Short title.

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Public Assistance Cost Reduction and Transportation Independence Pilot Program Act." L.2008, c.105, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-62.2 Findings, declarations relative to "Public Assistance Cost Reduction and Transportation Independence Pilot Program Act."

2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The Work First New Jersey program provides transportation assistance to eligible persons to further employment opportunities, to promote personal responsibility and economic self-sufficiency, and to help end the cycle of dependence on public assistance; b. The cost of providing such transportation assistance, in the form of cash payments as well as free New Jersey Transit bus and rail passes, is a worthwhile investment for the taxpayers of New Jersey and for the benefit of recipients and their families; c. Nonprofit charitable organizations have assisted in reducing such costs, while also providing a greater degree of transportation independence to such recipients and families, by accepting donated motor vehicles and making those vehicles available for use by, or for transfer to, recipients of public assistance in order to provide independent transportation to places of employment, day care facilities, and other locations as necessary to promote employment; and d. It is in the public interest for the State Treasurer to have the discretion to establish a pilot program to determine whether providing surplus State motor vehicles to nonprofit charitable organizations engaged in such activity may result in net cost savings to the State as well as support for transportation assistance to recipients of public assistance. L.2008, c.105, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-62.3 Establishment of pilot program for transfer of ownership of surplus State motor vehicles to certain nonprofit entities.

3. a. The State Treasurer is authorized to establish a pilot program for the transfer of ownership and title of surplus State motor vehicles to any qualified nonprofit charitable organization for the purpose of providing transportation to persons eligible for transportation assistance under the Work First New Jersey program, established under the "Work First New Jersey Act," pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.). b. As used in this section, "surplus State motor vehicle" shall mean any motor vehicle that is in the custody and control of any State department, commission, board, body, or other agency of the State and is deemed by the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury as surplus, obsolete or no longer suitable for the purpose for which it was intended. c. In determining whether to establish such a pilot program, the State Treasurer shall consult with the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services and shall solicit and consider information provided by county agencies responsible for administering the Work First New Jersey program. The State Treasurer shall also consider whether it may be possible to realize net cost savings to the State through such a program. d. A pilot program established pursuant to this section, shall be designed to maximize, to the greatest extent possible, potential net cost savings to the State and shall include such terms and conditions as the State Treasurer shall provide by regulations adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). e. In determining the eligibility of a nonprofit charitable organization to participate in a pilot program established pursuant to this section, the State Treasurer shall examine the organization's experience in providing donated motor vehicles to recipients of public assistance and the availability of mass transportation facilities, including but not limited to New Jersey Transit bus or rail routes, in the geographic area in which the nonprofit organization operates. f. The State shall not be liable for any damages that may result from the use or operation of any motor vehicle transferred pursuant to this section. g. The State Treasurer shall report findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature within two years of the establishment of a pilot program pursuant to this section. L.2008, c.105, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-63.1 Work First New Jersey Program, failure to cooperate, sanctions.

2. In an assistance unit with a single adult or couple without dependent children or a single adult or couple with dependent children, the failure of a recipient to actively cooperate with the Work First New Jersey program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), or participate in work activities under the program, without good cause as determined by the commissioner, shall result in a loss of cash assistance benefits in accordance with the provisions of this section. Prior to the imposition of a sanction, the county or municipal welfare agency shall determine whether good cause for noncompliance exists. Good cause shall include, but is not limited to, disability or other circumstances, as defined by the commissioner, which effectively impair a recipient's ability to actively cooperate with the Work First New Jersey program or participate in work activities under the program. a. Prior to the imposition of a sanction, the county or municipal welfare agency shall ensure that, in consultation with the recipient, an assessment has been given in accordance with subsection f. of section 8 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-62), and a determination has been made that barriers do not exist which are likely to prevent the recipient from complying with the work requirements or other activities specified in the individual responsibility plan; provided that, this prerequisite to the imposition of a sanction shall not apply if the recipient, without good cause, has refused to cooperate with the conduct of the assessment. The county or municipal welfare agency shall determine if a sanctionable offense has occurred and whether good cause exists by: (1) reviewing the case record to determine whether a comprehensive assessment or other information in the file indicates that good cause for noncompliance exists, and (2) outreaching to the recipient, to attempt, in consultation with the recipient, to determine the reason for noncompliance and whether it constitutes good cause. If good cause requires that services be provided in order for the recipient to comply, then services shall be provided prior to any reassignment of work activities, as appropriate. The recipient shall be provided with reasonable accommodations in work activities for identified disabilities and, when necessary given the condition, deferred from participation. The recipient shall be advised of the right to contest the sanction if he disagrees with the agency determination to impose the sanction. b. In an assistance unit with one adult, if the adult fails to actively cooperate with the program or participate in work activities without good cause, the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit shall be reduced by the pro-rata share of the noncompliant adult for one month. (1) If the adult fails to actively cooperate with the program or participate in work activities by the end of the first-month pro-rata sanction, without good cause, the assistance unit's cash assistance case shall be suspended for one month. If the participant complies by the end of the suspension month, the suspension shall be lifted. (2) If the adult fails to actively cooperate with the program or participate in work activities by the end of the suspension month, without good cause, the assistance unit's cash assistance case shall be closed for a minimum one-month period, and the assistance unit shall be required to reapply in order to receive further cash assistance benefits. c. In an assistance unit with two adults, if one adult fails to actively cooperate with the program or participate in work activities without good cause, the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit shall be reduced by the pro-rata share of the noncompliant adult for one month. If the adult fails to comply by the end of the sanction month, the pro-rata reduction shall continue until the recipient demonstrates an intent to comply. If both adults fail to actively cooperate with the program or participate in work activities without good cause, the cash assistance benefit provided to the assistance unit shall be reduced by the pro-rata share of the noncompliant adults for one month. If both adults fail to actively cooperate with the program or participate in work activities by the end of the sanction month, without good cause, the assistance unit's cash assistance case shall be closed for a minimum one-month period, and the assistance unit shall be required to reapply in order to receive further cash assistance benefits. d. If a dependent child 16 years of age or older fails to comply with the requirement for school attendance or other work activity participation, without good cause, the dependent child shall be subject to a pro-rata reduction of cash assistance benefits for one month. If the dependent child fails to comply by the end of the sanction month, the pro-rata reduction shall continue until the dependent child demonstrates an intent to comply. e. If a cash assistance case is closed due to a sanction, and the recipient is receiving emergency assistance benefits, then the household shall continue to receive emergency assistance benefits for one month immediately following the case closure. If the recipient comes into compliance and reapplies for cash assistance benefits, the emergency assistance benefits shall be reinstated if the emergency still exists. f. If a recipient who is less than 18 years of age is living in a Work First New Jersey-funded appropriate living arrangement because the recipient is unable to live with a parent, guardian, or other adult relative, funding for the living arrangement shall continue for one month immediately following the case closure. g. An adult recipient who voluntarily quits a job without good cause, as defined by regulation of the commissioner, shall render the entire assistance unit ineligible for cash assistance benefits for a period of two months from the date the county agency or municipal welfare agency, as appropriate, makes the determination that the recipient quit the job. L.2007,c.97,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-64 Satisfaction of sanction, repayment obligation

10. a. A person shall be required to satisfy any sanction or repayment obligation incurred pursuant to any federal or State law governing public assistance, including any act repealed by this act, as a condition of eligibility for benefits. b. (1) Whenever a parent or relative with whom a dependent child is living applies for or is receiving benefits for that child, and it appears that there is pending entitlement to a payment to the child or to either or both of his parents of funds arising from a claim or interest legally or equitably owned by the child or by either or both of his parents, other than that portion of a personal injury award which a court specifically awards to a child to make him whole as a result of an injury, the county agency may, as a condition of eligibility or continuation of eligibility for benefits, require either or both parents, or relative, to execute a written promise to repay, from the funds anticipated, the amount of benefits to be granted from the date of entitlement to that payment. Upon any refusal to make repayment, including refusal by any person acting for or on behalf of either or both parents, or relative, in accordance with the written promise, the county agency may take all necessary and proper action under State law to enforce that promise, and the granting or continuing of benefits, as the case may be, shall be deemed due consideration therefor. Any payments from the settlement of the claim or interest legally or equitably owned by the child or by either or both of his parents made by any person acting for or on behalf of either or both parents, or relative, subsequent to notice of claim of the county agency and prior to express written approval by the county agency shall cause that person to be liable to the county agency in the amount of the payment. (2) Whenever any child with respect to whom benefits have been paid pursuant to this act or assistance paid pursuant to any act repealed by this act, shall die prior to the attainment of his 21st birthday, and shall leave an estate, the total amount of benefits paid with respect to that child pursuant to this act and the total amount of assistance paid pursuant to any act repealed by this act, shall be a valid and enforceable claim against that estate, with priority over all other unsecured claims except reasonable funeral expenses and terminal medical and hospital expenses, and the county agency shall take all necessary and proper action under State law to enforce that claim. (3) The county agency may, with the consent and approval of the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services, compromise and settle any claim for repayment of benefits paid pursuant to this act or assistance paid pursuant to any act repealed by this act. (4) The Division of Family Development shall determine and cause to be made such financial adjustments as are necessary to maintain a correct proportional participation in any repayment among the counties and State. L.1997,c.38,s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-65 Community, alternative work experience not considered employment

11. Participation by a recipient in a community work experience or alternative work experience provided by a sponsor pursuant to this act shall not be considered employment for any purpose, except that: a. It shall be regarded as employment for the purposes of the "Law Against Discrimination," P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.), and the sponsor, not the program, shall be deemed the employer for purposes of any action brought under that act; b. It shall be regarded as employment for the purposes of the "New Jersey Public Employees' Occupational Safety and Health Act," P.L.1983, c.516 (C.34:6A-25 et seq.) if the sponsor is a public employer subject to that act; c. It shall be regarded as employment for the purposes of the "Conscientious Employee Protection Act," P.L.1986, c.105 (C.34:19-1 et seq.), and the "Worker and Community Right to Know Act," P.L.1983, c.315 (C.34:5A-1 et seq.); d. It shall be regarded as employment for the purposes of chapter 15 of Title 34 of the Revised Statutes, subject to the provisions of section 12 of this act ; and e. The recipient shall be entitled, to the same degree as any similarly-situated employee of the sponsor, to family leave pursuant to the "Family Leave Act," P.L.1989, c.261 (C.34:11B-1 et seq.) and family and medical leave pursuant to federal law. L.1997,c.38,s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-66 Workers' compensation status of recipient participating in community alternative work experience

12. For the purposes of chapter 15 of Title 34 of the Revised Statutes, a recipient who participates in a community work experience or alternative work experience shall be regarded as an employee of the State and the sponsor. The recipient and the dependents of the recipient shall be provided by the State with all compensation required , and defenses and remedies available, pursuant to that chapter, except for : (1) compensation provided for temporary disability pursuant to subsection a. of R.S.34:15-12 ; and (2) medical and hospital services provided pursuant to R.S.34:15-15 unless the recipient becomes ineligible for medical assistance under the "New Jersey Medical Assistance and Health Services Act," P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.) . In the event that it is determined that the recipient has been subject to an injury or illness producing a temporary disability, the program shall not provide compensation pursuant to subsection a. of R.S.34:15-12, but the recipient shall receive cash benefits from the program and shall be deferred from the work activity requirements as provided in subsection e. of section 8 of P.L.1997, c. 38 (C.44:10-62). Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the recipient shall be exempted from the 60-month time limit provided pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1997, c.37 (C.44:10-72) during the first 90 days of each period of temporary disability subject to the provisions of this section. When determining the amount of any compensation provided pursuant to chapter 15 of Title 34 of the Revised Statutes other than compensation for temporary disability, the amount of compensation shall be calculated as if the recipient's weekly wage was 60% of the statewide average weekly wages earned by all employees covered by the "unemployment compensation law," R.S.43:21-1 et seq. The program may provide this compensation by appropriate means, including purchasing and serving as the master policyholder for any insurance, self-insurance, or an administrative services contract. Compensation received by a recipient pursuant to chapter 15 of Title 34 of the Revised Statutes for a disability which is caused by an injury or illness which arises out of and in the course of the community work experience or alternative work experience and which is permanent in quality and partial or total in character shall not be regarded as earned income for the purposes of section 4 of P.L.1997, c.13 (C.44:10-37) and there shall not be a disregard for that amount in computing the cash assistance benefit provided to the recipient. Compensation received by a dependent of a recipient pursuant to chapter 15 of Title 34 of the Revised Statutes for the death of the recipient which is caused by an injury or illness which arises out of and in the course of the community work experience or alternative work experience shall not be regarded as earned income for the purposes of section 4 of P.L.1997, c.13 (C.44:10-37) and there shall not be a disregard for that amount in computing the cash assistance benefit provided to the dependent . L.1997,c.38,s.12.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-67 Injury, illness, death arising from community, alternative work experience

13. Any recipient participating in community work experience or alternative work experience or dependent of the recipient who is provided compensation , benefits, or both by the State in the manner required pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-66) for an injury, illness or death arising out of and in the course of the community work experience or alternative work experience shall surrender any other method, form or amount of compensation or benefits from the sponsor or the State for that injury, illness or death ; and the sponsor of the recipient, the State and the employees of the sponsor shall not be liable for the injury, illness or death for which the recipient or dependent of the recipient is provided the compensation , benefits or both, except for an intentional wrong. As used in sections 11 and 14 of this act and in this section, "sponsor" means a private nonprofit employer, private charitable employer, or public employer that provides a community work experience or alternative work experience to a recipient. L.1997,c.38,s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-68 Action against program as tort claim

14. The sole recourse of a person, other than a recipient or a sponsor, who is injured as a result of an act or omission of a recipient in connection with the recipient's community work experience or alternative work experience participation shall be to file an action against the program in a court of competent jurisdiction. The program shall have available all of the notice requirements and the defenses available to the State under the "New Jersey Tort Claims Act," N.J.S.59:1-1 et seq. except that the program shall not have available to it the defense that the recipient is not a public employee. L.1997,c.38,s.14.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-69 Reimbursement to tort claims fund

15. The program shall reimburse the fund established pursuant to N.J.S.59:12-1 for all costs incurred by the fund in connection with a recipient's participation in community work experience or alternative work experience. L.1997,c.38,s.15.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-70 Rules, regulations

16. The commissioner, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act and to comply with the requirements of Pub.L.104-193 ; except that, notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to the contrary, the commissioner may adopt, immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, such regulations as the commissioner deems necessary to implement the provisions of this act, which shall be effective for a period not to exceed six months and may thereafter be amended, adopted or re-adopted by the commissioner in accordance with the requirements of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). The Commissioner of Labor, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt regulations with respect to those responsibilities delegated to him under sections 4 and 8 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-58 and C.44:10-62). L.1997,c.38,s.16.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-71 Definitions relative to Work First New Jersey program

1. As used in this act: "Assistance unit" means: a single person without dependent children; a couple without dependent children; dependent children only; or a person or couple with one or more dependent children who are legally or blood-related, or who is their legal guardian, and who live together as a household unit. "Benefits" means any assistance provided to needy persons and their dependent children and needy single persons and couples without dependent children under the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.). "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "County agency" means the county agency that was administering the aid to families with dependent children program at the time the federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-193, was enacted and which, upon the enactment of P.L.1997, c.37 (C.44:10-71 et al.) shall also administer the Work First New Jersey program in that county. "Department" means the Department of Human Services. "Dependent child" means a child: a. under the age of 18; b. under the age of 19 and a full-time student in a secondary school or an equivalent level of vocational or technical training, if, before the student attains age 19, the student may reasonably be expected to complete the student's program of secondary school or training; or c. under the age of 21 and enrolled in a special education program, who is living in New Jersey with the child's natural or adoptive parent or legal guardian, or with a relative designated by the commissioner in a place of residence maintained by the relative as the relative's home. "Full-time employment" means employment unsubsidized by any level of government in which a person is engaged for at least 35 hours a week. "Legal guardian" means the person who exercises continuing control over the person or property, or both, of a child, including any specific right of control over an aspect of the child's upbringing, pursuant to a court order. "Program" means the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c. 38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.). "Recipient" means a recipient of benefits under the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c. 38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.). L.1997,c.37,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-72 Time limit on eligibility for benefits

2. a. Effective no later than the 30th day after the date of enactment of this act, a recipient's eligibility for benefits shall be limited to a total of 60 cumulative months, except as otherwise provided in this act, regardless of whether the recipient meets more than one assistance unit criteria during that 60-month period. Receipt of assistance from federal block grant funds for temporary assistance for needy families provided by another state or territory pursuant to the federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-193, shall count towards the 60-month time limit. Receipt of benefits as a dependent child or minor parent shall not count towards the 60-month time limit in the event that the dependent child or minor parent becomes a head of household in the child's or parent's own right for the purposes of receiving benefits. b. A recipient shall be exempted from the 60-month time limit established pursuant to subsection a. of this section if the recipient is: (1) over 60 years of age; (2) the parent or other relative of a disabled child or other disabled dependent who must provide full-time care for the disabled child or other disabled dependent; (3) permanently disabled, including, but not limited to, a person eligible for disability insurance benefits under Title II of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.s.401 et seq.), as defined by regulation of the commissioner; or (4) chronically unemployable as defined by regulation of the commissioner. c. A recipient may receive an extension of no more than 12 cumulative months beyond the 60-month time limit established pursuant to subsection a. of this section, to be granted in increments that shall not exceed six months, if the commissioner determines that the recipient meets one of the following criteria: (1) the recipient or the recipient's dependent child would be subject to extreme hardship or incapacity, as defined by regulation of the commissioner, in the event of a termination of benefits; (2) the recipient is engaged in full-time employment but remains eligible for benefits due to earned income disregards provided for under section 4 of P.L.1997, c.13 (C.44:10-37); (3) the recipient has not received an opportunity to engage in work activities as specified in the individual responsibility plan pursuant to subsection f. of section 8 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-62); or (4) the recipient was engaged in full-time employment and was income-ineligible for benefits but was terminated from the employment through no fault of the recipient. d. The provisions of this section shall apply to a person who receives general public assistance pursuant to P.L.1947, c.156 (C.44:8-107 et seq.) after the effective date of this act and is subsequently transferred directly into the Work First New Jersey program. L.1997,c.37,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-73 Implementation of Work First New Jersey program by municipal or county agency, reimbursement

3. a. The county agency shall be responsible for implementing the Work First New Jersey program in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner and ensuring that all eligible persons residing in the county have access to benefits; except as otherwise provided in this subsection. (1) A municipality may continue to administer general public assistance for eligible single persons and couples without dependent children through the program in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1947, c.156 (C.44:8-107 et seq.), and fund the administrative costs thereof upon passage of a resolution. The resolution shall be passed no later than six months after the commissioner adopts regulations to effectuate these provisions. A copy of the resolution shall be filed with the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs within three days after its passage. The resolution shall include the reasons for the governing body's decision to administer the program. (2) The Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs shall not include the municipality's general public assistance budget in its budget review and approval process. (3) A municipality which administers general public assistance pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be responsible for all administrative costs of providing benefits to eligible single persons and couples without dependent children. The State shall reimburse the municipality for 100% of cash assistance benefits paid to recipients of general public assistance. (4) If a municipality fails to comply with the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the commissioner is authorized to require the transfer of its administration of general public assistance to the county. (5) If the commissioner determines by financial or performance audit that a municipality has failed to administer benefits pursuant to this subsection in accordance with standards established by regulation of the commissioner, the commissioner is authorized to: take appropriate action pursuant to section 15 of P.L.1990, c.66 (C.30:1-12.2), recoup any funds identified by that audit, and require the transfer by the municipality of its administration of general public assistance to the county. Prior to effecting such a transfer, the commissioner shall specify in writing to the municipality the financial or performance deficiencies determined by audit and provide the municipality with a reasonable opportunity to correct those deficiencies, in accordance with a process to be established by regulation of the commissioner. The regulations shall include, but not be limited to, the form and manner for submission of a plan of correction by the municipality which sets forth the specific activities and time periods within which the deficiencies are to be corrected. If the municipality fails to correct these deficiencies, the commissioner may proceed with the transfer. (6) Within 30 days after the adoption of regulations to effectuate the purposes of this section, the commissioner shall notify each municipality in writing of its option to administer general public assistance pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection or transfer its administration of general public assistance to the county . b. (1) The administration by county agencies of the program for eligible single persons and couples without dependent children shall commence January 1, 1998, in accordance with a schedule to be determined by the commissioner for the respective geographic areas of the State; except as provided in subsection a. of this section. In accordance with procedures established by the commissioner, the State shall reimburse the county for 100% of the administrative costs incurred by the county agency with respect to the provision of cash assistance benefits to the eligible single adults and couples without dependent children residing in a municipality which has transferred its administration of general public administration to the county, up to the maximum amount allocated for that county by the commissioner within the limits of available funds. (2) With respect to a municipality which has opted to continue to administer general public assistance pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of this section, the commissioner is authorized to: provide for the issuance of cash assistance benefits, in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner, by paper check, electronic benefit distribution, or other appropriate means; and to require the municipality to report information to the commissioner which the commissioner deems necessary to the proper administration of the program through electronic means, as prescribed by regulation of the commissioner. c. The county agency and municipal welfare agency, and any other State, local, public or private entity or person working with the department, county agency or municipal welfare agency to effectuate the purposes of this act, shall collect and provide on a timely basis to the commissioner any information requested by the commissioner on the operation and administration of the program. d. For the first 12 months following the enactment of P.L.1997, c.37 (C.44:10-71 et al.), a county agency shall not enter into a contract with a private nonprofit or a private for profit entity for eligibility determination functions and benefit computation services that the county agency's current employees are capable of performing. L.1997,c.37,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-74 Allocation of federal funding

4. a. The commissioner shall allocate among the counties the federal funding available for administrative costs from the federal block grant funds for temporary assistance for needy families provided to New Jersey under Pub.L.104-193. The administrative costs incurred by the county agency with respect to recipients with dependent children shall be reimbursed by the State at the rate of 50% of total administrative costs, up to the maximum amount allocated for that county by the commissioner within the limits of available funds. The remaining administrative costs shall be funded by the county. The county's share of cash assistance benefits to recipients with dependent children shall be 5% of total cash assistance benefit costs, and the remaining 95% shall be funded by the State and federal governments. b. The State shall reimburse the county agency for 100% of cash assistance benefits paid to or on behalf of recipients who are single adults or couples without dependent children. c. The commissioner shall allocate among the counties the funding available for work activities as defined in section 3 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-57), and case management activities applicable to work activities, from State appropriations and federal block grant funds for temporary assistance for needy families provided to the State pursuant to Pub.L.104-193. Costs incurred by the counties for work activities and case management shall be reimbursed up to the maximum amount allocated for that county by the commissioner, and within the limits of available funds. L.1997,c.37,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-75 Implementation of electronic benefit distribution system.

5. a. The department shall implement the electronic benefit distribution system established pursuant to P.L.1985, c.501 (C.44:10-5.1 et seq.) in every county of the State. b. All cash assistance and food stamp benefits shall be provided through the issuance of a single benefit card utilizing the electronic benefit distribution system. The commissioner may include additional programs in this system at his discretion. c. No charge, including a fee imposed by a terminal owner, shall be imposed upon a person receiving cash assistance, food stamp or other benefits for participating in the electronic benefit transfer system, except as follows: (1) after three free cash automatic teller machine withdrawals in a month, the department may deduct a transaction fee from a recipient's account for each subsequent withdrawal; (2) a recipient shall be required to pay a fee for a replacement benefit card in an amount to be determined by the commissioner, which may be deducted from the recipient's account as determined by the commissioner, in accordance with federal law; and (3) in the case of a recipient who elects to receive benefits at a point-of-sale location licensed by the Department of Banking and Insurance pursuant to P.L.1993, c.383 (C.17:15A-30 et seq.), the State shall pay the licensee the difference between the contracted base transaction fee and $1.00. The provisions of this paragraph shall expire two years after the effective date of the single Statewide electronic benefits distribution contract that is let pursuant to P.L.1997, c.37 (C.44:10-71 et al.). d. A retail establishment currently authorized to participate in the federal food stamp program, or the New Jersey Supplementary Food Stamp Program established pursuant to P.L.1998, c.32 (C.44:10-79 et al.), shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in the electronic benefit distribution system. e. The department shall cycle the issuance of cash assistance and food stamp benefits over multiple dates throughout the month in a manner that best serves cash assistance and food stamp recipients within the framework of the electronic benefit distribution system in each county. f. The commissioner shall have the discretion to determine the need for appropriate benefit card security measures, as well as whatever personal identification technology is included on the benefit card, to access cash assistance, food stamp or other benefits under the electronic benefit distribution system. g. A county agency shall issue a photo-identification card to each adult recipient as a condition of receiving benefits until implementation of the electronic benefit distribution system in that county agency. Once a county begins to implement the electronic benefit distribution system, the county agency shall no longer be required to issue a photo-identification card to each adult recipient but may continue the issuance of photo-identification cards separate from the benefit cards. h. Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, until such time as the electronic benefit distribution system is implemented Statewide, contracts for the provision of food stamp coupons are not subject to the requirements of the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.). L.1997,c.37,s.5; amended 1998, c.32, s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-76 Social security number used as common identifier of individuals

6. The federal Social Security number shall be used as the common identifier of individuals for any record, license, certificate or other document identifying a person by name which is used by an agency of State government in accordance with the requirements of federal law. Each such agency shall be required to implement the provisions of this section no later than July 1, 1998. L.1997,c.37,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-77 Establishment, implementation of technological investments.

7. The commissioner, in consultation with the State Treasurer, is authorized to establish and implement necessary technological investments appropriate to create a Statewide community-based electronic network designed to link federal, State and local government agencies, nonprofit entities and private business entities, for the effective and efficient exchange of information relating to, and management of, the Work First New Jersey program and other related programs. L.1997,c.37,s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-78 Rules, regulations

17. The commissioner, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act and to comply with the requirements of Pub.L.104-193. L.1997,c.37,s.17.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-79 Short title.

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Supplementary Food Stamp Program Act." L.1998,c.32,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-80 Definitions relative to New Jersey Supplementary Food Stamp Program.

2. As used in this act: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "Department" means the Department of Human Services. "Federal food stamp program" means the federal food stamp program authorized by Title XIII of the "Food and Agriculture Act of 1977," Pub.L.95-113 (7 U.S.C.s.2011 et seq.). "Program" means the New Jersey Supplementary Food Stamp Program established pursuant to this act. L.1998,c.32,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81 New Jersey Supplementary Food Stamp Program.

3. a. There is established the New Jersey Supplementary Food Stamp Program in the Department of Human Services. The purpose of the program is to provide nutritional assistance to those categories of noncitizens who were rendered ineligible for the federal food stamp program by section 402 of Pub.L.104-193, the federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996" (8 U.S.C.s.1612). b. The program shall be administered pursuant to State rules and regulations implementing the federal food stamp program, except that the eligibility criteria for noncitizens for the program provided in section 4 of this act shall be used in lieu of those of the federal food stamp program. L.1998,c.32,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.1 Food stamp application form, ordinary, concise language required.

1. a. The Commissioner of Human Services shall review and, to the maximum extent permissible under federal law, streamline the application form for participation in the federal food stamp program authorized by Title XIII of the "Food and Agriculture Act of 1977," Pub.L.95-113 (7 U.S.C.s.2011 et seq.), and the New Jersey Supplementary Food Stamp Program established pursuant to P.L.1998, c.32 (C.44:10-79 et seq.), which is currently used by persons who are not applying for other public assistance, so that the appropriate form, including all instructions and information relating to the application procedure, eligibility determination, and accompanying information that is required to be furnished by the applicant, contains ordinary and concise language. b. In performing the review, the commissioner shall examine food stamp applications used by other states which utilize their food stamp applications for one or more programs. L.2002,c.16,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.2 SNAP application process technologically upgraded.

1. a. Consistent with federal law, the Commissioner of Human Services shall permit applicants for SNAP to apply by phone, electronic device, or kiosk, as well as for employees of county welfare agencies and county boards of social services to conduct SNAP interviews by telephone, electronic device, or kiosk. The commissioner shall establish requirements to ensure the security and privacy of applications submitted, and interviews conducted, by telephone or using an electronic device or kiosk pursuant to this section. b. The commissioner shall: (1) consult with county welfare agencies and county boards of social services to create an electronic record information processing system to process applications submitted for SNAP using telephones, electronic devices, and kiosks and for interviews conducted using telephones, electronic devices, and kiosks pursuant to subsection a. of this section, and ensure such systems are in compliance with federal standards; and (2) apply and receive approval for such waivers as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section. c. County welfare agencies and county boards of social services shall designate an employee of the agency or board as the agency's or board's county social service liaison. County social service liaisons shall be responsible for consulting with institutions of higher education and the higher education community to assist with any technical assistance questions from SNAP applicants and from the county welfare agency or county board of social services arising from the use of telephones, electronic devices, and kiosks in connection with SNAP applications and SNAP interviews. d. As used in this section: "Electronic device" means a desktop or laptop computer, mobile phone, tablet, or any other Internet-connected device that is capable of electronically receiving and transmitting the information necessary to process an application for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. "SNAP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.). amended 2022, c.30, s.4. L.2021, c.93; amended 2022, c.30, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.3 Streamlining SNAP application for senior citizens.

1. a. The Commissioner of Human Services, to the maximum extent permissible under federal law, shall review and streamline the SNAP application process, as provided in this section. The goal of the streamlining process shall be to maximize the enrollment of eligible SNAP participants in New Jersey by increasing the accessibility of the SNAP application. b. In streamlining the SNAP application process, as required by this section, the commissioner shall, at a minimum, update the online application system to ensure the system employs current technology and is user friendly, with features that include, but are not limited to, easy account creation, easy user access, and easy tracking of an applicant's application status. c. The Department of Human Services, working in consultation and cooperation with appropriate advocacy organizations, shall engage in comprehensive outreach efforts to ensure that New Jersey residents are made aware of their ability to apply for and obtain SNAP benefits through a streamlined and expedited process. At a minimum, the department shall provide outreach at all health care facilities, social service agencies that serve seniors in the State, and other organizations focused on food assistance, and shall use all available media, including print, radio, television, and the Internet, to inform residents of the availability of the streamlined SNAP application process established pursuant to this section. d. The Commissioner of Human Services shall apply to the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture for any necessary waivers or approvals to implement the provisions of this section. e. As used in this section: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "Department" means the Department of Human Services. "SNAP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.). L.2021, c.243, s.1; amended 2022, c.26, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.4 Rules, regulations.

2. The Commissioner of Human Services may adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this act and P.L.2022, c.26 (C.44:10-81.5 et al.). L.2021, c.243, s.2; amended 2022, c.26, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.5 SNAP application call center established.

3. a. The Department of Human Services shall establish a call center where department employees, or persons under contract with the department are available in real-time to assist individuals in: (1) navigating the SNAP application process; (2) checking on the status of an application; and (3) troubleshooting any issues with the application. b. The commissioner shall apply to the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture for any necessary waivers or approvals to implement the provisions of this section. c. As used in this section: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "Department" means the Department of Human Services. "SNAP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.). L.2022, c.26, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.6 Maintain, conduct new outreach programs; "SNAP Navigator Program" established.

1. a. The department shall, consistent with federal requirements, maintain a SNAP outreach plan targeted at increasing potential beneficiaries' access to: (1) information regarding the availability of SNAP, the criteria for eligibility for SNAP benefits, and the various methods to apply for SNAP benefits; and (2) the technological means to apply for SNAP benefits. b. The department shall, subject to available funds, conduct additional outreach programs, which may include: (1) establishing a SNAP Navigator Program, the purpose of which shall be to recruit, train, and support SNAP application navigators via a process and method determined by the commissioner; (2) making available training to the appropriate staff at community-based organizations regarding the necessary steps to complete and submit a SNAP application, through all available methods, including online and by telephone. Staff trained pursuant to this paragraph shall assist clients with the SNAP application process; (3) partnering with community-based organizations to increase client access to computers and the online SNAP application; (4) providing SNAP information and resources to beneficiaries of public assistance programs who are served by the department and county welfare agencies, and who are likely to be eligible for, but are not currently receiving, SNAP benefits; and (5) conducting a public awareness campaign using available media, including television, radio, print, and social media, to inform the public of the availability of SNAP. c. As used in this section: "Commissioner" means Commissioner of Human Services. "Department" means the Department of Human Services. "Public assistance program" means any program administered through the Department of Human Services, a county welfare agency, or a collaboration between the two which is authorized to provide assistance and services to needy persons, including, but not limited to: the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.); the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.); and the Medicaid program established pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.). "SNAP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.). L.2022, c.28, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.7 Definitions.

1. As used in this act: "Commissioner" means Commissioner of Human Services. "Department" means Department of Human Services. "SNAP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.). L.2022, c.30, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.7a Standard certification period, not less than 12 months within SNAP, conditions; definitions.

1. a. The Commissioner of Human Services shall establish a standard certification period of not less than 12 months within SNAP, except that the certification period shall be not less than 24 months if all adult household members are elderly or disabled provided that all certified households shall have contact with a State SNAP administering agency at least once every 12 months. These certification periods shall not apply to initial certification periods for expedited benefit issuance or if a shorter certification period is necessary to align with the certification period of another program or to ensure the proper issuance of benefits. b. The Commissioner shall apply to the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture for any necessary waivers or approvals to implement the provisions of this section. c. As used in this section: "Certification period" means the period for which households shall be eligible to receive SNAP benefits. "Elderly or disabled" means the same as defined in section 3 of the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2012). "SNAP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.). L.2023, c.145.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.8 Training program established; assist in SNAP enrollment.

2. a. The Department of Human Services, to the maximum extent permissible under federal law, shall establish a training program for county boards of social services that assist individuals with SNAP enrollment and recertification processes. The purpose of the training shall be to educate employees, including supervisory and managerial employees and designated county training staff, on current federal laws, regulations, and standards concerning SNAP, and standard best practices to comply with federal SNAP requirements, with the goal of ensuring employees of county boards of social services are at all times in compliance with federal laws, regulations, standards, and best practices as they pertain to SNAP. The department shall review the training program and curriculum each year and may modify the training program from time to time, as need may require, to incorporate any changes to the federal laws, regulations, and standards concerning SNAP. b. Participation in the training program established pursuant to this section shall be mandatory for all employees of a county board of social services who assist individuals with SNAP enrollment and recertification processes, as well as for all supervisory or management employees of the county board of social services who interview, process, or review SNAP cases and designated training staff of the county board of social services. Each county board of social services shall be responsible for ensuring that: (1) all required employees complete the training program at least twice in each calendar year; (2) all newly hired employees of the county board of social services who will assist individuals with SNAP enrollment and recertification processes, who will interview, process, or review SNAP cases in a managerial or supervisory role, or who will serve as designated training staff for the county board of social services complete the training within one month of hire; and (3) all employees who assist individuals with SNAP enrollment and recertification processes, who interview, process, or review SNAP cases in a managerial or supervisory role, or who serve as designated training staff members, complete the training as a condition of any professional promotion within the county board of social services. L.2022, c.30, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.9 Case tracking data published on Internet website.

3. The Department of Human Services shall publish county-level case tracking data for SNAP on its Internet website that includes, but is not limited to: application approval rates, reasons for application denial, average application approval times, and the average time between when a case closes and when it is subsequently reopened. L.2022, c.30, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.10 Waiver, approval application; rules, regulations.

5. a. The Commissioner of Human Services shall apply to the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture for any necessary waivers or approvals to implement the provisions of this act. b. The commissioner may adopt rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act, which rules and regulations shall be effective immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law for a period not to exceed 18 months, and may, thereafter, be amended, adopted, or readopted in accordance with the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). c. The commissioner shall annually request funding in an amount as shall be necessary and appropriate to support additional funding for county call centers to address technical assistance questions from SNAP applicants, county welfare agencies, and county boards of social services arising from the use of telephones, electronic devices, and kiosks in connection with SNAP applications and SNAP interviews pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2022, c.30 (C.44:10-81.8). L.2022, c.30, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-81.11 General program information, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

1. The Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education, shall develop general program information about the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including a link to the program application and a link to the website for NJ 211, the Statewide information and referral service for health, emergency, and human services resources and assistance. L.2025, c.213, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-82 Eligibility of noncitizen for program.

4. a. A noncitizen shall be eligible for participation in the program if that person was: lawfully admitted into the United States prior to August 22, 1996, remains lawfully present in the United States, is ineligible for the federal food stamp program, and is one of the following: (1) under 18 years of age; (2) 65 years of age or over; (3) receiving benefits under the supplemental security income program established pursuant to the federal Social Security Act, Pub.L.92-603 (42 U.S.C.s.1381 et seq.), or determined to be an essential person under the supplemental security income program; (4) mentally or physically incapacitated, as defined by regulation of the commissioner, including being blind; (5) considered unemployable under the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.); or (6) a natural or adoptive parent, stepparent or legal guardian residing with that person's dependent child under the age of 18. Unless employed, this person: shall be required to participate in a work activity as defined in section 3 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-57), which may include a program that is designed to assist the person in securing employment or preparing for employment, in accordance with the provisions of subsection f. of section 8 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-62); and shall be eligible for child care and other services under the Work First New Jersey program related to the work activity, except that: (a) the person shall not be required to engage in a work activity if child care is unavailable for the person's dependent child in accordance with the provisions of subsection d. of section 8 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-62); and (b) the person may be temporarily deferred from the work activity requirement in accordance with the provisions of subsection e. of section 8 of P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-62). b. To be eligible for the program, a noncitizen shall also meet one of the following criteria: (1) lawfully admitted for permanent residence as an immigrant; (2) entered the United States prior to January 1, 1972, or some later date as required by law, and continuously maintained residency in the United States since then, and is not ineligible for citizenship but is considered to be lawfully admitted for permanent residence as a result of an exercise of discretion by the United States Attorney General; (3) was qualified by the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service for conditional entry into the United States after March 31, 1980 because of persecution or fear of persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion; (4) was qualified by the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service for conditional entry into the United States prior to April 1, 1980; (5) was granted asylum through an exercise of discretion by the United States Attorney General; (6) is lawfully present in the United States as a result of an exercise of discretion by the United States Attorney General for emergent reasons or reasons deemed strictly in the public interest, or as a result of a grant of parole by the United States Attorney General; (7) the United States Attorney General has withheld deportation of the noncitizen because of the judgment of the United States Attorney General that the noncitizen would otherwise be subject to persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion; (8) has been determined as aged, blind or disabled in accordance with the supplemental security income program established pursuant to the federal Social Security Act, Pub.L.92-603 (42 U.S.C.s.1381 et seq.), and is considered by the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service to be lawfully admitted for temporary residence; (9) was granted lawful temporary resident status at least five years prior to applying for the program and subsequently gained lawful permanent resident status; or (10) is, as of June 1, 1987 or thereafter, a special agricultural worker as defined by federal law and lawfully admitted for temporary residence. c. A noncitizen who is certified as eligible for the program by the department, or the agency designated by the department, shall be required to apply for United States citizenship within 60 days of the date that the noncitizen is certified as eligible for the program or within 60 days of the date the noncitizen is eligible to apply for citizenship, whichever is later, except that a noncitizen shall be exempt from the citizenship application requirement if that person is: (1) unable to either apply for or obtain citizenship due to a medical or physical condition as defined by regulation of the commissioner; or (2) a child under 18 years of age. d. An eligible noncitizen may continue to receive program benefits until that person meets the minimum residency requirements provided in federal law to apply for citizenship. e. A person who is required to apply for citizenship to retain eligibility for the program, but who fails to supply adequate proof to the department, or the agency designated by the department, that he has made timely application for citizenship, shall have his eligibility for the program terminated. f. A person who applies for citizenship, but who subsequently is determined by the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service to be ineligible for citizenship, except for a noncitizen as described in paragraph (1) of subsection c. of this section, shall have his eligibility for the program terminated at the end of the month in which the 60-day period as provided in subsection c. of this section expires. L.1998,c.32,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-83 State payment of county administrative costs.

5. The State shall pay the full amount of each county's administrative costs applicable to households that contain only persons eligible for the program. These costs shall be determined in accordance with the approved cost allocation plan of the department. L.1998,c.32,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-84 Noncitizen federal food stamp recipients not eligible.

6. A noncitizen who is eligible for the federal food stamp program shall not be eligible for the program. A noncitizen who is ineligible for the federal food stamp program, but is eligible for the program, and who subsequently is made eligible for the federal food stamp program due to changes in federal law, shall lose entitlement to benefits under the program upon receipt of benefits under the federal food stamp program. L.1998,c.32,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-85 Rules, regulations.

11. The Commissioner of Human Services, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act. L.1998,c.32,s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-86 Short title

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Individual Development Account Act." L.2001,c.93,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-87 Findings, declarations regarding individual development accounts

2. a. The Legislature finds and declares that: (1) Economic well-being does not come solely from income, spending and consumption, but also requires savings, investment and accumulation of assets, since assets can improve economic stability, connect people with a viable and hopeful future, stimulate development of human and other capital, yield personal and social dividends and enhance the welfare of offspring. (2) With the enactment of the "Work First New Jersey Act," P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.) and companion legislation, emphasizing moving people off of public assistance and into employment, there is an urgent need to provide incentives for savings accounts that will complement and stabilize the movement of people from public assistance and into employment. (3) Income-based social policy should be complemented with asset-based social policy, because while income-based policies ensure that consumption needs, including food, child care, rent, clothing and health care are met, asset-based policies provide the means to achieve some degree of economic self-sufficiency. (4) The State of New Jersey should develop policies, such as individual development accounts, that promote higher rates of personal savings and net private domestic investment. b. It is the intent of the Legislature, therefore, to provide for the establishment of individual development accounts which accounts are designed to: (1) provide individuals and families, especially those with limited means, an opportunity to accumulate assets; (2) facilitate and mobilize savings; (3) promote education, home ownership and micro enterprise development; and (4) stabilize families and build communities. L.2001,c.93,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-88 Definitions regarding individual development accounts.

3. As used in this act: "Account holder" means a person who is the owner of an individual development account. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Community Affairs. "Community-based organization" means a not-for-profit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.501(c)(3)) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.501 (a)), that is approved by the commissioner to implement the New Jersey Individual Development Account Program established under this act. "Department" means the Department of Community Affairs. "Economic literacy" means a basic understanding of budgets and savings accounts, credit and interest and how to use financial services; and having a savings plan and using it to reach the account holder's savings goal for an individual development account. "Eligible individual" means an adult with an annual household gross income up to a maximum of 250 percent of the official poverty level. "Financial institution" means a state or federally chartered bank, savings bank, savings and loan association or credit union with an office in this State. "Fund" means the Individual Development Account Fund established pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s.604(h) and 45 C.F.R. Part 263 (45 C.F.R. s.263.0 et seq.). "Individual development account" means an account established pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s.604(h) and 45 C.F.R. Part 263 (45 C.F.R. s.263.0 et seq.) in trust for an eligible individual that is a trust account pursuant to the "Multiple-party Deposit Account Act," P.L.1979, c.491 (C.17:16I-1 et seq.). "Program" means the New Jersey Individual Development Account Program established pursuant to the provisions of this act. "Program contributor" means a person or entity who makes a contribution to an individual development account reserve fund, except that "program contributor" does not mean the account holder. "Reserve fund" means the individual development account reserve fund created by a community-based organization for the purposes of: funding the costs incurred in the administration of the program; receiving matching funds from the State; and providing matching funds for individual development accounts pursuant to section 5 of this act. L.2001, c.93, s.3; amended 2019, c.460, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-89 New Jersey Individual Development Account Program.

4. a. The New Jersey Individual Development Account Program is hereby established within the Department of Community Affairs. The purpose of this program shall be to provide each eligible individual in this State with an opportunity to establish an individual development account in a financial institution, to the extent funding will permit. The individual development account may be used for any of the purposes specified under subsection c. of section 5 of this act. b. There is established in the department, the Individual Development Account Fund. This fund shall be used by the commissioner to provide: (1) grants to community-based organizations selected by the commissioner to participate in the program; and (2) a State match of two dollars for every one dollar of earned income deposited into an individual development account by the account holder, except that the maximum amount provided as a match per individual development account per calendar year shall be $2,000. The earned income deposited into an individual development account shall not be deposited on behalf of the account holder by a third party. Community-based organizations may raise additional, non-federal or State funds to increase the State match rate and the State maximum annual match amount. c. The commissioner shall implement this program by entering into agreements with community-based organizations which the commissioner shall select through a request for proposal process, pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1987, c.7 (C.52:14-34.4 et seq.). d. In reviewing the proposals of community-based organizations, the commissioner shall consider the following factors: (1) the not-for-profit status of the organization; (2) the fiscal accountability of the organization; (3) the ability of the organization to provide its moneys or raise moneys from program contributors for matching contributions which are in addition to State matching funds; (4) the plan of the organization for the development, implementation and management of an individual development account program; (5) the capacity of the organization to provide economic literacy training, either directly or through another provider; (6) the organization's history of working with low-income populations; (7) the target population and the extent to which the organization plans to exceed the 33.3 percent minimum participation under this act by current or former Work First New Jersey recipients pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s.601 et seq.; and (8) the length of time, in months and years, of the operation of the program, taking into account the resources that are available to the organization. e. (1) The commissioner shall select community-based organizations and enter into a contract for services with each organization selected that requires the organization to establish and maintain an individual development account reserve fund and work with each eligible individual and any local financial institution to establish an individual development account, among other services to be provided for eligible individuals and their households, if any. (2) The commissioner shall have the discretion to disburse moneys from the fund in a manner and an amount the commissioner deems appropriate and consistent with the community-based organization's contract for services and proposal selected pursuant to this subsection and subsections c., d. and f. of this section. f. (1) No more than 10 percent of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds under this act may be used for administrative purposes by a community-based organization selected to participate in the program. (2) No more than 10 percent of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds under this act may be used to provide economic literacy training and one-on-one financial counseling to account holders by an organization selected to participate in the program. g. At all times, a minimum of 33.3 percent of the account holders participating in the program shall be current or former Work First New Jersey recipients pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients pursuant to 42 U.S.C. s.601 et seq., unless otherwise authorized by the commissioner. L.2001, c.93, s.4; amended 2019, c.460, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-90 Opening an individual development account; conditions.

5. a. An eligible individual may, in agreement with a community-based organization selected by the commissioner pursuant to section 4 of this act, open an individual development account for the purpose of accumulating and withdrawing moneys for specified expenditures pursuant to this section. Upon satisfaction of the organization's requirements for economic literacy by an account holder, the organization shall certify to the commissioner that the account holder may withdraw moneys from the account on the approval of the organization, without penalty, for any of the expenditures listed in subsection c. of this section. b. The commissioner shall establish by regulation: (1) the minimum monthly deposit amount that each account holder shall be required to maintain and the maximum monthly deposit amount that each account holder shall be permitted to make, during their participation in the program; (2) the minimum time period the account holder shall maintain an individual development account, pursuant to section 4 of this act, in order to be eligible to withdraw the moneys deposited and receive the State matching funds, pursuant to this subsection and subsections c., d. and e. of this section; (3) the prior notice of the account holder's intent to, and purpose for, withdrawing individual development account funds and the minimum time period that an account holder shall give notice to the individual development account trustee community-based organization prior to an approved withdrawal in order to be eligible to receive State matching funds pursuant to this subsection and subsections c., d. and e. of this section; and (4) the maximum length of time an account holder may participate in the program. c. Upon satisfaction of the provisions of subsections a. and b. of this section by the community-based organization: (1) the account holder may, upon the approval of the community-based organization, withdraw moneys from the account holder's individual development account in the form of a joint check or transfer of funds made payable to the account holder and the payee of the approved withdrawal, pursuant to 45 C.F.R. s.263.22, for any of the following purposes: (a) post-secondary educational expenses as defined in 42 U.S.C. s.604(h)(5) and 45 C.F.R. s.263.20, which may include the purchase of a personal computer; (b) qualified acquisition costs of a primary residence as defined in 42 U.S.C. s.604(h)(5) and 45 C.F.R. s.263.20; (c) qualified business capitalization expenses, as defined in 42 U.S.C. s.604(h)(5) and 45 C.F.R. s.263.20, which may include the purchase of a personal computer and a motor vehicle ; and (d) for deposit into an account established for the benefit of an eligible individual who is the individual's spouse or any dependent of the individual with respect to whom the individual is allowed a deduction under section 151 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 151). (2) if the account holder withdraws any moneys from the account and uses those moneys, or any part of those moneys, for a purpose other than that permitted pursuant to this subsection, the account holder shall forfeit all matching funds associated with the unapproved withdrawal. The account holder shall receive only the moneys which the account holder has deposited into the account. (3) the commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Human Services, shall establish procedures to ensure that funds held in an individual development account under this act are withdrawn for qualified purposes only, as defined in this subsection. Penalties for unapproved withdrawals may include taxing the withdrawal as income and, as applicable, including the withdrawal as income or resources in determining eligibility for federal and State public assistance pursuant to 45 C.F.R. s.263.23. d. Community-based organizations approved by the department shall establish an individual development account in trust for an eligible individual in a financial institution as required pursuant to this act. Organizations may, with the approval of the commissioner, employ methods to maximize the efficiency of multiple individual development accounts, such as pooling deposits into a single account held by the financial institution, with individual account information maintained by the organization. In addition, with the approval of the commissioner, organizations shall develop an efficient means of providing the match portion of an individual development account, such as matching deposits at the time of approved withdrawal only. Organizations acting as trustees under this act shall, at all times, maintain current account information, without regard to the chosen method of administration, on all individual development accounts, which shall include: the individual development account balance, a time indexed record of deposits and withdrawals made by the account holder and the current match level. Community-based organizations under this act shall certify to the department that the accounts have been established pursuant to the provisions of this act in trust for the account holder in the manner approved by the commissioner. e. A community-based organization establishing an individual development account shall: (1) sign an agreement with an eligible individual to the effect that the account shall be kept in the name of the eligible individual as the account holder and that the eligible individual shall have an officer of the organization as a trustee of the account; (2) open and keep the account in the name of the eligible individual, with an officer of the organization as trustee; (3) permit the account holder to deposit earned income, as defined in 42 U.S.C. s.604(h)(2)(C), into an individual development account which shall be matched by the organization when withdrawn for an approved expenditure, pursuant to subsection c. of this section; (4) maintain the records of individual development accounts in a manner that enables the organization to determine the amounts deposited by the account holder and amounts paid by the organization as matching funds; (5) require the individual development account to earn a rate of interest that reasonably reflects the prevailing market rate paid on like deposits by financial institutions in this State, which shall be credited to the account holder; (6) permit the account holder, after obtaining the signature of the trustee, to withdraw moneys from the account for any of the purposes listed in subsection c. of this section; (7) remit matching funds in the form of a joint check or transfer of funds made payable to the account holder and the payee of the approved withdrawal, pursuant to 45 C.F.R. s.263.22 at the time the account holder withdraws funds for a purpose permitted pursuant to subsection c. of this section; (8) work with other community-based organizations and State agencies to coordinate the program with other private and public programs designed for asset accumulation and self-sufficiency, such as transportation, child care and health care services, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency programs, Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) mortgage programs and other programs under the direction of the Department of Human Services, such as the Family Loan Pilot Program and Entrepreneur Development Services Pilot Program; (9) provide financial counseling to account holders and assist them in establishing a secure, low-risk, effective savings opportunity, for the purposes of an individual development account, for income that is in excess of the individual development account maximum match of $2,000 per year or income that does not meet the definition of earned income, as defined in paragraph (3) of this subsection, such as federal and State earned income tax credits, homestead and property tax rebates, inheritance, monetary damages recovered in a legal proceeding and income from the sale of an asset. The account shall be tailored to each account holder's resources and financial goals and shall be held in a separate account from the individual development account. Accounts investigated may include money market accounts, individual retirement accounts, certificates of deposit and individual development accounts that do not include matching federal or State funds; and (10) be deemed to have a fiduciary duty with respect to moneys in an individual development account or reserve fund. The commissioner may require that an organization post and maintain a fidelity bond or other security with regard to the position of the organization as fiduciary for the moneys in an individual development account or reserve fund. L.2001, c.93, s.5; amended 2019, c.460, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-91 Transfer of account on death of holder

6. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, in the event of the death of the account holder, the ownership of the individual development account shall be transferred to the ownership of a contingent beneficiary, which the account holder shall name at the time the account is established and may change at any time. If the beneficiary is deceased or otherwise cannot accept the transfer, the moneys in the individual development account derived from the account holder's earned income and any interest accrued thereon shall be transferred to the estate of the account holder. b. If an individual development account is closed pursuant to subsection a. of this section or an account holder withdraws from the individual development account program or forfeits his State matching funds due to an unauthorized withdrawal, any moneys held for matching funds for that account may be retained in the reserve fund for reallocation to be used as matching funds for new individual development accounts. L.2001,c.93,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-92 Moneys in, interest on account not considered gross income

7. a. Moneys deposited into or withdrawn from an individual development account by an account holder pursuant to subsection c. of section 5 of this act or matched by a community-based organization pursuant to paragraph (7) of subsection e. of section 5 of this act shall not be considered gross income otherwise includable as income pursuant to subsections a., b., k., and p. of N.J.S.54A:5-1. b. Interest earned by an individual development account shall not be considered gross income otherwise includable as income pursuant to subsection e. of N.J.S.54A:5-1. c. Moneys deposited in an individual development account and the interest from an individual development account under this act shall not be taken into account in determining eligibility or the amount of assistance under State and federal means-tested programs pursuant to 42 U.S.C s.604(h) and 45 C.F.R. s.263.20. L.2001,c.93,s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-93 Regulations; consultation with Human Services

8. a. The commissioner shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act. b. The commissioner shall consult with the Commissioner of Human Services regarding the development, operation and administration of the program and ensuring compliance with 42 U.S.C. s.604(h) and 45 C.F.R. Part 263 (45 C.F.R. s.263.0 et seq.). L.2001,c.93,s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-94 Report to Legislature

9. a. The commissioner shall report to the Legislature annually on the effectiveness of the program in providing eligible individuals in this State with an opportunity to establish an individual development account and may include in the report recommendations for change, if any, to make the program more effective. This report shall be due within 30 days of the end of the anniversary of the effective date of this section for each year the program is in operation. b. The Department of Community Affairs shall make available to the Departments of Labor and Human Services necessary individual development account statistical and program information in a usable format and in a timely manner, so that those departments may prepare federal and other reports. L.2001,c.93,s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-95 Short title.

1. P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.) shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey SNAP Employment and Training Provider 50/50 Match Project Act." L.2013, c.45, s.1; amended 2019, c.253, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-96 Definitions relative to the "New Jersey SNAP Employment and Training Provider 50/50 Match Project Act."

2. As used in P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.): "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "Department" means the Department of Human Services. "Eligible participant" means a SNAP recipient who qualifies for participation in NJ SNAP ETP. "New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Provider 50/50 Match Project" or "project" means the project established pursuant to P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.). "NJ SNAP ETP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program that assists SNAP recipients with acquiring the skills, training, work, or experience necessary to obtain regular employment, as established under the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and as described in the most recent State Employment and Training Plan submitted to the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture. "Non-federal resources" means any of the following resources, provided that the resources are not from a federal source or used as a match for other federal funding purposes: (1) cash donations from private firms, charitable foundations, or non-profit organizations received by partnering providers; (2) local tax levy funds received by partnering providers; (3) certain eligible in-kind contributions received by partnering providers that are public entities, including property or services which support the provider's NJ SNAP ETP activities and which are contributed by non-federal public entities without charge to the partnering provider; or (4) any other non-federal resources that are currently allowed by the federal government. "Partnering provider" means a qualifying agency selected to participate in the project. "Project participant" means an eligible participant who elects to participate in the project established pursuant to P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.). "Qualifying agency" means a local government, non-profit entity, institution of higher education, foundation, or other eligible community-based organization that qualifies for allowable federal SNAP ETP reimbursements pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.) by providing allowable services that help SNAP recipients acquire the skills, training, work, or experience necessary to obtain regular employment. A qualifying agency may also include a consortium of organizations. "Service area" means the geographic area of the State in which a partnering provider provides NJ SNAP ETP services under the project established pursuant to P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.). "SNAP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.). "SNAP ETP" means the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program administered by the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture and established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.) and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto. "Work First New Jersey TANF benefits" means Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits provided under the Work First New Jersey program established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.) in accordance with the federal "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-193 (42 U.S.C. s.601 et seq.). L.2013, c.45, s.2; amended 2019, c.253, s.2; 2022, c.27, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-97 Establishment of New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program Employment and Training Provider 50/50 Match Project.

3. a. The Department of Human Services shall establish the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Provider 50/50 Match Project under which the department shall: (1) provide and enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development by which the Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall implement, administer, and operate the project and NJ SNAP ETP activities including, issuing requests for proposals, selecting partnering providers, obtaining activity reports from providers, and issuing payment to providers; and (2) form partnerships with qualifying agencies to provide services to eligible participants under NJ SNAP ETP and receive federal reimbursements for those services. The memorandum of understanding executed by the departments shall define how the departments shall coordinate their efforts, the roles and expectations of each, and shall detail the process by which funds for the support of the project and other NJ SNAP ETP activities shall be transferred from the department to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. b. Applicants for participation as partnering providers in the project shall be qualifying agencies whose employment and training activities qualify for reimbursement under the federal SNAP ETP program. Partnering providers in the project shall be selected according to the process and criteria specified in P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.). L.2013, c.45, s.3; amended 2019, c.253, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-97.1 New Jersey SNAP ETP participation not required to receive SNAP benefits; information provided to recipients.

1. a. The NJ SNAP ETP shall be a voluntary program, and the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services or a county welfare agency shall not require participation in a NJ SNAP ETP activity or in a New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Provider 50/50 Match Project, as established under P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.), in order to be deemed eligible for SNAP benefits. b. The division and each county welfare agency shall ensure that all recipients of SNAP benefits are provided information regarding, and the opportunity to participate in, employment and training opportunities consistent with federal SNAP ETP reimbursement requirements. c. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the division or a county welfare agency to impose penalties for noncompliance with federal SNAP work requirements. d. The division shall submit, in a timely manner, any necessary revisions to the State Employment and Training Plan to the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture, as required pursuant to federal regulations, in order to effectuate the provisions of this section. e. As used in this section: "NJ SNAP ETP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program that assists SNAP recipients with acquiring the skills, training, work, or experience necessary to obtain regular employment, as established under the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and as described in the most recent State Employment and Training Plan submitted to the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture. "New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Provider 50/50 Match Project" means the project established pursuant to P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.). "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" or "SNAP" means the program established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.). "SNAP ETP" means the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program administered by the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture and established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.) and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto. L.2022, c.27, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-98 Proposals to participate in project.

4. a. The commissioner shall issue a request for proposals from qualifying agencies to participate in the project no later than 60 days following the effective date of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.). b. (1) The department shall select no fewer than three partnering providers, from among qualifying agencies submitting proposals, to participate in the project. Partnering providers shall provide services under NJ SNAP ETP to eligible participants and be eligible to receive federal reimbursements for those services pursuant to the conditions of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.). (2) The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development shall extend the program beyond the initial four-year period. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development shall, subject to the availability of federal funds, annually issue a new request for proposals and maintain the participation of no fewer than three partnering providers, from among qualifying agencies submitting proposals, to participate in the project for each subsequent year. c. Each qualifying agency shall be evaluated for participation as a partnering provider in the project based on the agency's capacity to: serve eligible participants under NJ SNAP ETP; identify and utilize non-federal resources qualifying for federal SNAP ETP reimbursements pursuant to the federal "Food Stamp Act of 1964," Pub.L.88-525 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.); present and implement a coherent program plan for NJ SNAP ETP activities, as described in subsection d. of this section; and perform effectively each of the functions specified in section 6 of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-100). d. Each qualifying agency's proposal shall include a program plan describing how the agency's activities under the project would fulfill the purposes of NJ SNAP ETP. The program plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following information: (1) the program goals and objectives, including the agency's priorities for serving eligible participants in the State; (2) the program design, including: strategies for targeting and recruiting eligible participants; educational skills and training activities; work-related activities; job preparation, placement, and retention activities; strategies for coordinating with the county welfare agencies and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; and strategies for providing support services, including case management, early intervention, career counseling, and referrals to additional programs and services; (3) the program budget, including the overall resources to be used to support the agency's NJ SNAP ETP activities, the specific non-federal resources to be used to generate federal SNAP ETP reimbursements, and the intended utilization of anticipated federal SNAP ETP reimbursements; (4) the extent to which community partners, including subcontractors, will be involved in the agency's activities; and (5) the agency's plans for performing each of the functions specified in section 6 of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-100). e. In selecting partnering providers for participation in the project, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall prioritize partnering providers that would: (1) serve SNAP recipients with significant barriers to employment, including, but not limited to: able-bodied adults without dependents required to participate in employment and training programs as a condition of receiving SNAP benefits; individuals with a history of substance use disorder or other work limitations; ex-offenders; individuals with low literacy or limited English proficiency; veterans who are not eligible for other employment and training programs; and persons who are 16 through 24 years of age; (2) serve unemployed or underemployed parents, including non-custodial parents and parents who have exceeded their Work First New Jersey TANF 60-month lifetime limit on cash assistance; (3) provide training in both vocational and technical skills, as well as "soft skills," including, but not limited to: workplace preparation training, teamwork, problem solving, time management, and conflict resolution; (4) provide training that results in marketable credentials and that prepares participants for employment or reemployment in industries with projections of growth; (5) conduct job development activities and identify how job opportunities will be secured to maximize SNAP recipients' permanent placement in employment providing compensation at the level of a living wage and opportunities for wage progression; and (6) demonstrate a proven history of successful job placement and retention. f. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development may select partnering providers that would provide NJ SNAP ETP services within any service area including, but not limited to: the entire State; one or more regions encompassing several counties; or a single county. g. Upon selection of a partnering provider, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall negotiate and execute a memorandum of understanding with the partnering provider, the department, and county welfare agencies, as applicable. The memorandum of understanding shall define the extent and degree of assistance and delineate the respective expectations, duties, and relations among the department, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the county welfare agencies, and the partnering provider. h. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development shall establish standards of performance for partnering providers conducting project activities pursuant to P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.), including, but not limited to, standards for performing the programmatic functions and financial functions required pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-100). The memorandum of understanding negotiated and executed pursuant to subsection g. of this section shall include a performance-based system for distributing federal SNAP ETP reimbursements to each partnering provider based upon the partnering provider's achievement of the standards of performance. i. Upon finding that a partnering provider has not conducted its project activities in accordance with the standards of performance established in subsection h. of this section or that a partnering provider has otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.), the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development may: take such action as is necessary to correct the deficiencies of the provider; and terminate the partnering provider's participation in the project if the provider fails to take remedial action. j. Upon the effective date of P.L.2023, c.271 (C.44:10-102.1 et al.), the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development shall designate each community college in the State that provides allowable services to be a partnering provider to deliver those allowable services under the project, provided that any designation pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to approval by the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture and provided further that nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted as preventing the commissioner from subjecting designated community colleges to reasonable reporting requirements and any other regulations under the project. L.2013, c.45, s.4; amended 2019, c.253, s.4; 2023, c.177, s.128; 2023, c.271, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-99 Collaboration between partnering providers and county welfare agencies.

5. a. A county welfare agency shall collaborate with all partnering providers whose service areas include the county to: inform all eligible participants, upon determination of their eligibility for SNAP benefits, of all project activities operating within the county; permit all eligible participants to participate in any project activities available within the county; and assist eligible participants with contacting partnering providers operating project activities. A county welfare agency may advise an eligible participant as to the applicability and appropriateness of specific activities to the eligible participant's case, but the county welfare agency shall not assign an eligible participant to project activities without the eligible participant's consent. b. A partnering provider shall collaborate with all county welfare agencies within the provider's service area to: inform all eligible participants, upon determination of their eligibility for SNAP benefits, of the availability of project services; and assist the county welfare agencies with identifying those eligible participants for whom participation in the partnering provider's NJ SNAP ETP activities would be most applicable and appropriate. c. A partnering provider shall serve all eligible participants residing within the provider's service area who elect to participate in the provider's project activities. Except as provided in this section, a partnering provider shall not deny or terminate the participation of any project participant. d. Eligible participants who are required to register for work and are required to fulfill SNAP work requirements may elect to participate in a partnering provider's project activities. e. Eligible participants who are required to register for work and are required to fulfill SNAP work requirements who elect to participate in project activities but who subsequently do not cooperate with, or participate in, those activities shall not be subject to penalties for noncompliance with SNAP work requirements during their participation in the project. Partnering providers shall terminate the project participation of any such non-cooperating or non-participating eligible participants and refer the non-cooperating or non-participating participants to the applicable county welfare agency. The applicable county welfare agency may assign, at a participant's request, the non-cooperating or non-participating participant to another NJ SNAP ETP component outside of the project, as available. f. Nothing in P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.) shall be construed to limit the authority of the county welfare agencies or the department to impose penalties for noncompliance with SNAP work requirements on eligible participants who are required to register for work and are required to fulfill SNAP work requirements. g. A partnering provider may deny or terminate the participation of any project participant who is not appropriately matched to the partnering provider's project activities upon obtaining approval from the applicable county welfare agency. L.2013, c.45, s.5; amended 2019, c.253, s.5; 2022, c.27, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-100 Programmatic functions required by partnering provider.

6. a. Each partnering provider shall be required to perform the following programmatic functions and to maintain sufficient capacity to perform these functions effectively: (1) assist project participants with obtaining and retaining employment; (2) provide project participants with appropriate NJ SNAP ETP services and participant reimbursements that fulfill the purposes of NJ SNAP ETP and that qualify for federal SNAP ETP reimbursements. These services and participant reimbursements may include, but are not limited to: job search and placement services; job readiness assistance; education or training that improves basic skills and general employability; specific job skills training or vocational education; work experience that improves the employability of project participants; subsidized employment; workfare; self-employment training; services related to the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Pub.L.105-220 (29 U.S.C. s.2801 et seq.); job retention services; or reimbursements for project participant expenses, including dependent care costs, transportation expenses, books or training manuals, fees, uniforms, equipment and tools required for employment, or personal safety items required for program participation; (3) assess and place project participants into appropriate NJ SNAP ETP services, as defined in paragraph (2) of this subsection; (4) provide project participants with support services, including case management, early intervention, career counseling, and referrals to additional programs and services; (5) verify whether potential project participants are receiving SNAP benefits and make referrals, as appropriate, to assist potential project participants with applying for SNAP benefits; (6) collaborate with county welfare agencies to develop processes and materials that: inform eligible participants regarding project activities within each county, in accordance with each partnering provider's service area; facilitate eligible participants' communications with partnering providers regarding participation in project activities; and assist eligible participants with rendering decisions regarding their participation in project activities; (7) assist project participants with continuing to meet administrative requirements, work requirements, employment and training requirements, and other requirements for maintaining SNAP eligibility; (8) coordinate with the department and county welfare agencies on a monthly basis to verify that project participants are receiving SNAP benefits and are not receiving Work First New Jersey TANF benefits; (9) coordinate with the county welfare agencies and the department to distinguish eligible participants who are required to register for work and are required to fulfill SNAP work requirements from eligible participants who are exempt from the work registration and work requirements associated with receiving SNAP benefits; (10) provide uninterrupted NJ SNAP ETP services and participant reimbursements to eligible participants through changes in the participants' SNAP work registration and work requirement status, subject to the provisions for terminating project participation pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-99); (11) maintain program records and report to the department and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development the following monthly information for each claimed NJ SNAP ETP participant: program, participant name, participant Social Security number, services and reimbursements received, and weekly hours; (12) prepare and submit to the department invoice and certification letters each quarter for the total non-federal resources and program expenditures qualifying for federal SNAP ETP reimbursements for the quarter; (13) monitor project participants and subcontractors and provide detailed reports of participants, activities, and outcomes to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development on a regular basis; (14) devote sufficient staff time and expertise to fulfill NJ SNAP ETP administrative and reporting requirements; (15) collaborate with the department and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to ensure that federal SNAP ETP reimbursements received under the program are expended in accordance with all applicable federal laws and regulations; and (16) report to the department and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and county welfare agencies on a monthly basis the identities of any eligible participants who are required to register for work and are required to fulfill SNAP work requirements and who are not cooperating with, or participating in, assigned services or work. b. Each partnering provider shall be required to perform the following financial functions and to maintain sufficient capacity to perform the functions effectively: (1) maintain cash flow necessary to manage the delay from program outlays to SNAP ETP reimbursements; (2) manage federal grants, track expenditures, and ensure that non-federal resources and program expenditures qualify for federal SNAP ETP reimbursements; (3) perform cost allocation using multiple funds; (4) track staff time devoted to NJ SNAP ETP activities under this project; and (5) maintain records for State audits. c. Partnering providers may establish agreements with subcontracting organizations to support their NJ SNAP ETP activities under this project. d. The department shall consider educational activities serving eligible participants at community colleges as qualifying for federal SNAP ETP reimbursements to the greatest extent allowable under federal laws and regulations. In accordance with section 273.5 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, individuals enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education who are assigned to, or placed in, an NJ SNAP ETP educational activity and who meet all SNAP eligibility requirements shall be determined eligible for SNAP benefits and shall be eligible for participation in the project. L.2013, c.45, s.6; amended 2019, c.253, s.6; 2022, c.27, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-101 County welfare agencies, departments to assist partnering providers.

7. a. The county welfare agencies, under the oversight of the department, shall assist partnering providers by: (1) collaborating with partnering providers, the department, and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to conduct outreach to potential project participants and to refer potential project participants to the partnering providers; (2) collaborating with partnering providers to develop processes and materials that inform eligible participants regarding: the availability of project activities within each county, in accordance with each partnering provider's service area; the option for eligible participants to participate in project activities; the applicability and appropriateness of specific activities to the eligible participant's case; and the means by which eligible participants may contact partnering providers regarding project participation; (3) determining potential project participants' SNAP eligibility and providing the results of eligibility determinations to partnering providers; (4) developing and implementing a process to verify that potential project participants are receiving SNAP benefits and not receiving Work First New Jersey TANF benefits and ensuring that this verification process adheres to all applicable federal laws and regulations restricting the unauthorized disclosure of information concerning applicants for, and recipients of, SNAP or TANF benefits; (5) determining each potential project participant's status regarding SNAP work registration and employment and training requirements, in coordination with partnering providers; (6) confirming each project participant's SNAP eligibility on a monthly basis; and (7) collaborating with partnering providers to develop criteria and procedures for terminating the participation of eligible participants in a partnering provider's project activities including, but not limited to: eligible participants who are not appropriately matched to a partnering provider's project activities; and any eligible participants who are required to register for work and are required to fulfill SNAP work requirements and who are not cooperating with, or participating in, assigned services or work. b. The department shall, in consultation with the county welfare agencies and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development: (1) assist partnering providers with understanding the administrative requirements, work requirements, employment and training requirements, and other requirements for project participants to maintain SNAP eligibility; (2) assist partnering providers with understanding the requirements for non-federal resources and program expenditures to generate federal SNAP ETP reimbursements; (3) submit requests for federal SNAP ETP reimbursements and fulfill all reporting and other SNAP ETP administrative responsibilities required by the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture; (4) distribute federal SNAP ETP reimbursements received by the State under this project to the partnering providers whose non-federal resources and program expenditures generated the federal reimbursements, in accordance with the provisions of section 8 of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-102); (5) collect data concerning partnering providers and project participants, activities, and outcomes; and (6) audit partnering providers on a routine basis to ensure fiscal and program integrity. L.2013, c.45, s.7; amended 2019, c.253, s.7; 2022, c.27, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-102 Submission of revised State Employment and Training Plan.

8. a. The department shall submit a revised State Employment and Training Plan to the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture, in accordance with section 273.7 (c) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, in order to expand NJ SNAP ETP to include project partnerships with qualifying agencies. The revised State Employment and Training Plan shall define the services to be provided under NJ SNAP ETP, including, but not limited to, the project services provided pursuant to P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.) and shall ensure that under no circumstances shall a recipient of SNAP benefits be disqualified from SNAP participation solely due to nonparticipation in a SNAP ETP activity. The department shall submit the revised State Employment and Training Plan to the Food and Nutrition Service as soon as practicable but no later than the first day of the seventh month next following the effective date of P.L.2022, c.27 (C.44:10-97.1 et al.). b. The commissioner shall take such additional steps as may be necessary to secure approval from the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture for this project and to ensure that the State and partnering providers are in compliance with all applicable provisions of federal and State laws and regulations. c. The department may reserve up to five percent of the federal SNAP ETP reimbursements generated as a direct result of the activities of the partnering providers and received by the State pursuant to P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.) for operating expenses and staff directly related to the administration, oversight, and evaluation of this project. The remaining federal SNAP ETP reimbursements generated as a direct result of the activities of the partnering providers and received by the State pursuant to P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.) shall be distributed to the partnering providers whose expenditures generated the federal SNAP ETP reimbursements on a pro-rata basis and in accordance with the performance-based system for distributing federal SNAP ETP reimbursements established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-98). Within the request for proposals issued pursuant to P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.), the department shall describe the performance-based system for distributing federal SNAP ETP reimbursements and indicate the net percentage of federal SNAP ETP reimbursements that shall be distributed to partnering providers. d. The department shall apply for any additional federal funds which may be available to implement the provisions of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.), including, but not limited to, any unobligated, unexpended federal SNAP ETP funds originally allocated to other state agencies and available for reallocation pursuant to section 273.7 (d) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations. e. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development may solicit, receive, and accept grants, funds, or anything of value from any public or private entity and receive and accept contributions of money, property, labor, or any other thing of value from any legitimate source to support the project, provided that the commissioner does not have reason to believe that the entity may have a vested interest in the decisions of the commissioner or the department concerning the selection of specific partnering providers. L.2013, c.45, s.8; amended 2019, c.253, s.8; 2022, c.27, s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-102.1 New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, community colleges, allowable services, partnering provider, 50/50 Match Project; definitions.

1. a. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, shall designate each community college in the State that provides allowable services to be a partnering provider to deliver those allowable services under the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program and the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program Provider 50/50 Match Project, provided that any designation pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to approval by the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture and provided further that nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted as preventing the departments from subjecting designated community colleges to reasonable reporting requirements and any other regulations under the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program and the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program Provider 50/50 Match Project. b. As used in this section: "Allowable services" means services reimbursable under the federal " Food Stamp Act of 1964," Pub.L.88-525 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.) that help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients acquire the skills, training, work, or experience necessary to obtain regular employment. "New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program" means the federal program administered by the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture and established pursuant to the federal " Food Stamp Act of 1964," Pub.L.88-525 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.) and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto. "New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Program Provider 50/50 Match Project" means the project established pursuant to P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.). c. The departments shall submit any necessary revisions regarding the State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training Plan to the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture in order to provide for the provisions of this section. L.2023, c.271, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-103 Report to Governor, Legislature.

9. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development shall issue a report no later than six months following the effective date of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-95 et seq.), and annually thereafter no later than September 30 of each year, to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature summarizing the participants, activities, and outcomes of the project. The initial report under this section shall include, but not be limited to, a summary of the request for proposals issued pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-98). Subsequent reports under this section shall include, but not be limited to, the identities of the partnering providers selected pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2013, c.45 (C.44:10-98) and a summary of project participant demographics, activities, and outcomes for each partnering provider. The reports issued pursuant to this section shall not disclose the identities of any SNAP applicants or recipients and shall adhere to all applicable federal laws and regulations restricting the unauthorized disclosure of information concerning applicants for, and recipients of, SNAP benefits. L.2013, c.45, s.9; amended 2019, c.253, s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-104 Certain income excluded in determining eligibility.

10. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law or regulation to the contrary, the department and the county welfare agencies shall exclude from a household's income all legally-obligated or court-ordered child support payments paid by a household member to, or on behalf of, a non-household member, including payments to a third party on behalf of the non-household member and amounts paid toward arrearages, for the purpose of determining whether a household meets applicable gross and net SNAP income eligibility standards. L.2013, c.45, s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-104.1 Assistance with applications; board of social services designee.

3. a. The Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services shall work with local workforce development boards and community college staff to better assist students with applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Childcare Subsidy, and other available social services supports. b. Each county board of social services shall designate an employee of the agency to be responsible for collaborating with the county’s community college representatives to ensure social services supports applications and related documents meet all requirements for consideration. The designee shall implement strategies to streamline the application process for social services supports for students enrolled in the county college. L.2025, c.312, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-105 Review of available data by commissioner.

1. a. The Commissioner of Human Services shall submit to the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture a request for a waiver, as authorized by 7 C.F.R. 273.24(f), of the time limit on benefits for able-bodied adults without dependents who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The commissioner shall seek either a Statewide waiver for time limits on benefits for this population, or a waiver for select geographic areas of the State. b. At least once annually after the submission of the waiver pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the commissioner shall conduct a review of available data on labor and employment in the State produced by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics in order to determine whether to submit a subsequent request for a waiver of the benefit time limit for able-bodied adults without dependents participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The review shall consider each criterion of eligibility for a waiver as well as the availability of opportunities that will fulfill the work requirement described in 7 C.F.R. 273.24(a). Based on the annual review conducted pursuant to this subsection, the commissioner shall submit a request for a waiver for the maximum number of areas which are eligible for a waiver. The waiver request shall be for all geographic areas which represent the largest number of individuals eligible for a waiver of the able-bodied adults without dependents time limits on the receipt of SNAP benefits. This support shall serve to fulfill the requirements described in 7 U.S.C. s.2015(o)(4)(A). L.2016, c.11, s.1 amended 2022, c.29.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-106 Report to Governor, Legislature.

2. a. The Commissioner of Human Services shall issue a report annually over the next three years, with the first report being issued no later than one month following the effective date of this act, to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature on: (1) the number of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants in each county who are subject to the benefit time limit for able bodied adults without dependents; and (2) the number of participants whose benefits were terminated in the past year as a result of the benefit time limit. b. The report shall also describe the review of labor and employment data conducted pursuant to section 1 of this act and any actions taken by the commissioner related to requesting a waiver of the time limit. L.2016, c.11, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-106.1 SNAP applicants, beneficiaries; biennial survey on application experience, difficulties; procedure.

1. a. The Department of Human Services shall conduct a biennial survey of SNAP applicants and beneficiaries for the purpose of evaluating the SNAP experience of the applicants and beneficiaries. The biennial survey shall include, at a minimum, questions concerning the applicant's or beneficiary's experience in navigating the SNAP application process, any difficulties the applicant or beneficiary encountered in the application process, the availability of consumer support at the county welfare agency, and how well the applicant's or beneficiary's questions and concerns were addressed by staff at the county welfare agency. b. The purpose of the biennial survey shall be to: (1) identify the strengths and weaknesses of each county welfare agency in processing SNAP applications; (2) formulate trainings or strategies to improve the processing of SNAP applications; and (3) assess which counties require additional resource and staff support. c. When conducting the biennial survey required pursuant to this section, the department shall ensure the survey is distributed to all SNAP applicants at each county welfare agency throughout the duration of the survey period. d. The commissioner shall, no later than 18 months after the completion of each biennial survey, submit a report to the Legislature, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), documenting the results of the biennial survey and providing the commissioner's recommendations for legislation or other appropriate action. e. As used in this section: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "Department" means the Department of Human Services. "SNAP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.) and P.L.1998, c.32 (C.44:10-79 et seq.). L.2021, c.453, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-107 Definitions regarding mobile-friendly software and SNAP.

1. As used in this act: "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services. "Electronic benefit transfer card or benefit card" means a benefit card utilized by a consumer to gain access to nutrition assistance program benefits. "Mobile-friendly software" means a computer program or web-based software application designed to be used in conjunction with a mobile electronic communication device, as defined herein, and available through multiple software platforms. "Mobile electronic communication device" means any mobile device capable of communication or other transmission of information and includes, but is not limited to, a cellular telephone, wireless tablet, or other device with Internet capability, or other wireless communication device. "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" or "SNAP" means the supplemental nutrition assistance program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.88-525 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.). L.2021, c.245, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-108 Mobile-friendly software for SNAP recipients.

2. a. The Department of Human Services shall develop and maintain, or enter into or modify an agreement with a third party to develop and maintain mobile-friendly software for SNAP recipients. The mobile-friendly software shall include, but not be limited to, functionality that allows a user of the mobile software program who is recipient of SNAP benefits to: (1) view the user's SNAP case status and the current benefits the user receives; (2) request an electronic benefit transfer card or a replacement card; (3) upload and submit required documents for continued participation in SNAP and track the current processing status of those documents; (4) receive notices and updates regarding important deadlines or actions; (5) read and print notices and letters; (6) update contact information; (7) request to have a letter mailed to the user listing the amount of benefits the user receives; (8) view local contact information for the County Board of Social Services for the county in which the user resides and (9) access any other functionalities as determined by the department. b. The mobile-friendly software shall be made available free of charge and in multiple languages. L.2021, c.245, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-109 Commissioner's application for waivers, grants.

3. The commissioner shall apply for any: a. waivers from the federal government, which are necessary for the approval and implementation of this act; and b. grants through the SNAP Process and Technology Improvement Grants program within the United States Department of Agriculture to receive federal funding to implement the provisions of this act. L.2021, c.245, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-110 Rules, regulations.

4. The Commissioner of Human Services, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act. L.2021, c.245, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-111 "State SNAP Minimum Benefit Program" established; definitions.

1. a. There is established in the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services the State SNAP Minimum Benefit Program. Under the program, the division shall distribute to each eligible household a monthly State SNAP benefit equal to the difference between the household's federal SNAP monthly benefit and $95, which amount may be increased by the Commissioner of Human Services, as deemed appropriate and subject to available State appropriations. If federal funds become available for the purposes of this subsection, the Commissioner of Human Services shall utilize such federal funds as the primary source for issuing the monthly State SNAP benefit before State funds, if necessary, are expended. The State SNAP benefit shall be provided to an eligible household in addition to the federal SNAP benefit. b. The program shall be subject to the same State rules and procedures for implementing the federal SNAP to the greatest extent possible, including, but not limited to, distributing the State SNAP benefit using the program's Electronic Benefit Transfer system and requiring that benefits be used solely for the purchase of food as defined in 7 U.S.C. s.2012. c. The Commissioner of Human Services shall apply to the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture for any necessary waivers or approvals to implement the provisions of this section. d. As used in this section: "Eligible household" means a household that is certified to receive a federal SNAP benefit of at least one dollar per month, but less than $95 per month, or a larger amount as deemed appropriate by the Commissioner of Human Services, subject to available State and federal funds. "SNAP" means the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-246 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.). L.2022, c.32; amended 2023, c.13.

N.J. Stat. § 44:10-112 Food and Nutrition Service, permit funds available, "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program", delivery fees.

1. The Commissioner of Human Services shall request that the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture take such steps as are necessary to permit funds available through the "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" (SNAP), established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.88-525 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.), to be utilized by individuals receiving SNAP benefits to pay the delivery fee levied by an authorized New Jersey SNAP retailer for home delivery of the individual's SNAP-eligible purchase. L.2023, c.236.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026