New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S4139

Caption

Requires public utility to reimburse the State or local unit, in certain circumstances, for costs incurred in securing potentially dangerous condition caused by property controlled by the public utility.

Impact

The bill seeks to enhance public safety measures by holding public utilities accountable for any hazardous situations stemming from their properties. This shift is expected to encourage utilities to manage their infrastructure more proactively and responsibly, potentially reducing the risk of emergency situations arising. The measure creates a clearer pathway for state and local authorities to seek financial relief for public safety operations, indicating a significant change in the regulatory environment governing public utilities in New Jersey.

Summary

S4139, introduced by Senator Parker Space, mandates that public utilities are responsible for reimbursing the State or local governments for costs incurred in securing sites that present potentially dangerous conditions. This legislative measure arises in response to the need for improved public safety regarding properties controlled by utilities. The bill specifies circumstances under which claims for reimbursement can be made and outlines the procedures for notification and deployment to address dangerous conditions effectively.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the implications of financial liabilities for public utilities and the criteria for claiming reimbursements. Utilities may express concerns regarding increased costs and the potential for numerous claims based on less severe incidents. Furthermore, the grace period provision allows utilities a limited time frame to address issues before incurring liability, which may be debated in public discussions about the adequacy of this timeframe in protecting public safety.

Implementation

Additionally, S4139 instructs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to develop a fee schedule to assist local governments in submitting claims for reimbursement. This aspect aims to standardize the reimbursement process and streamline the submission of claims, which is a critical step towards effective implementation of the bill's provisions. Through these mechanisms, the bill hopes to facilitate collaborative efforts between state agencies and public utilities in safeguarding the welfare of the general public.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A5326

Requires public utility to reimburse the State or local unit, in certain circumstances, for costs incurred in securing potentially dangerous condition caused by property controlled by the public utility.

NJ HB1007

Prohibit use of the South Dakota public utilities commission gross receipts tax fund for reimbursement of costs incurred by the Public Utilities Commission.

NJ SB1579

Relating to the recovery and securitization of extraordinary costs incurred by certain gas utilities; authority to issue bonds.

NJ HB2679

Power; public utilities; UCC; securities

NJ AB3062

Fire protection districts: electrical corporations and local publicly owned electric utilities: prescribed or controlled burns: notice requirements.

NJ A1101

Directs public utilities and pipeline operators to reimburse municipalities for certain emergency services.

NJ A1366

Directs public utilities and pipeline operators to reimburse municipalities for certain emergency services.

NJ A3554

Provides reimbursement to volunteer emergency service organizations for expenses incurred in response to certain false alarms; makes appropriations.

NJ A2569

Provides reimbursement to volunteer emergency service organizations for expenses incurred in response to certain false alarms; makes appropriations.

NJ S2969

Requires DEP to reimburse local units for costs incurred in responding to emergencies in State parks and forests.

Similar Bills

NJ A2111

"Highway Accident Property Tax Relief Act"; requires State to reimburse municipalities for costs of providing certain emergency services.

NJ A991

"Highway Accident Property Tax Relief Act"; requires State to reimburse municipalities for costs of providing certain emergency services.

NJ A5326

Requires public utility to reimburse the State or local unit, in certain circumstances, for costs incurred in securing potentially dangerous condition caused by property controlled by the public utility.

NJ S2078

Permits municipal, county, and regional police and fire forces to establish five-year residency requirement for police officers and firefighters; allows exceptions to requirement under certain circumstances.

NJ S2216

Permits municipal, county, and regional police and fire forces to establish five-year residency requirement for police officers and firefighters; allows exceptions to requirement under certain circumstances.

RI H7484

Allows anyone receiving a state pension to serve on fire district boards and the Pascoag utility board. Authorizes for volunteer firefighters municipal approved real/personal property tax exemptions and income tax credits for training/ equipment costs.

CA AB1103

Agricultural lands: livestock producers: managerial employees: livestock pass program: disaster access to ranch lands.

CA AB1141

Agricultural lands: agricultural and livestock producers: agricultural pass program: disaster access to farm lands.