New Jersey Senate Bill S2988

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/22/22
• Refer: 9/22/22

Caption

Establishes centralized directory for affordable and senior citizen housing.

Impact

If enacted, S2988 will significantly change how affordable and senior housing information is managed and made available in New Jersey. By requiring counties to regularly update data on housing units, the bill aims to provide clearer insights into available housing options. This could particularly assist low-income families and senior citizens in navigating housing opportunities. However, the ability of counties to consistently gather and submit this data may pose operational challenges that could impact the effectiveness of the directory.

Summary

Senate Bill S2988 aims to establish a centralized directory for affordable and senior citizen housing in New Jersey. The bill mandates that each county submit detailed information on affordable housing and senior citizen housing units to the Commissioner of Community Affairs on a monthly basis. This initiative is intended to create a comprehensive, easily accessible resource for residents seeking affordable housing options or information related to senior citizen residences. The information will be published and updated on the websites of various state agencies to ensure transparency and accessibility.

Contention

While S2988 is largely seen as a beneficial move towards improving housing access, there may be concerns regarding the administrative burden placed on counties. The need for counties to produce detailed reports each month could draw criticism from local officials who feel overextended. Additionally, the effectiveness of the centralized directory will depend on cooperation from local property managers and landlords, which may not always align with county efforts to provide comprehensive housing information.