Committee releases and moves a set of bills on childcare grants, fire-safety devices and permit payments

The committee took action on several additional bills during the session:

- A3582 / S2344: Clerk read A3582 and companion S2344, which would limit Childcare Facilities Improvement Program grant funds to licensed childcare centers under the Child Care Revitalization Act. Multiple stakeholders (Chanadia Bennett; Athea Ford, NJBIA; Mike Engleton, State Chamber of Commerce) were recorded "in favor, no need to testify." The committee voted to release the bill.

- A3894: The committee considered A3894, which would require smoke-sensitive alarm devices to meet requirements set by the Commissioner of Community Affairs and would eliminate the requirement for portable fire extinguishers in certain structures. Industry groups including the New Jersey Realtors, League of Municipalities, Builders Association, Apartment Association and NJFMBA were recorded in favor with no testimony requested. The clerk recorded the bill as moved/released.

- A4436: The committee reviewed A4436, which would require that construction contracts under the local public contracts law permit contractors to pay enforcing agency fees under the State Uniform Construction Code by card payment or electronic fund transfer. The sponsor explained the bill modernizes permit payments that currently often require checks; witnesses from the builders association and others were recorded in favor. The committee voted to move A4436.

Each of these bills was recorded in committee action and will proceed in the legislative process for further consideration.