3 New Laws Signed In NJ: Aid For Homeowners, Tuition Grants, More

NEW JERSEY — As we enter a new month, Patch took a look at some laws signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in October that will affect New Jersey homeowners and students starting in November.

And, another law will boost the available pool of bus drivers next school year, as the state continues to experience a shortage.

Here's a look at these three recently-signed laws in the Garden State, and what to know about them:

Helping homeowners affected by Hurricane Ida

Gov. Murphy signed this bill (S-3670/A-4871) into law on Wednesday, and it takes effect immediately – giving homeowners affected by Ida some relief from mortgage payments and the threat of foreclosure, three years after the devastating storm. Eligible homeowners can have their mortgage payments put on hold for a year, and be protected from foreclosure during that time.

The governor vetoed a different version of the bill in September, asking for more tailored specifications for who could apply. Sen. Troy Singleton (D-7) and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-19) then added new eligibility criteria and checks to the legislation.

“At long last, the homeowners who remain impacted by Hurricane Ida years later will now see the relief and assistance they deserve," Singleton said in a statement.

Addressing bus driver shortage

This act (S-3000/A-2180wGR) creates a new type of bus driver certificate for smaller school buses, called Type S, that does not require a commercial driver's license. This allows more qualified drivers to apply, while freeing up those with a CDL to drive larger buses. Type S buses carry up to 9 passengers.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle sponsored this bill, with Sen. Vince Polinsta (R-2) mentioning how New Jersey has dealt with a bus driver shortage since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Although the Motor Vehicle Commission has taken steps to try and alleviate this shortage, more needs to be done to address the negative impacts of driver supply and demand," he said.

This law, which was signed on Oct. 4, will take effect for the next school year.

$20 million in funding for summer Tuition Aid Grants

This bipartisan legislation (S-3602/A-4811) awards funds to eligible students who are enrolled in summer undergraduate courses, whether they are trying to graduate early or catching up on college credits. Sen. Robert Singer (R-30), the bill’s sponsor, said this funding will help students reach their academic goals.

“For eligible recipients, the TAG program is a recipe for success, helping students stay on track, graduate on time, and enter the workforce better prepared,” Singer said.

Eligible students must have received a tuition grant for the preceding semester. They can receive up to 75 percent of the full TAG award amount that they would be eligible for during the regular academic year.

Murphy signed the bill into law on Oct. 22, and it takes effect immediately.