(AP) - People affected by Superstorm Sandy would be owed a timeline detailing when state aid would be distributed under a bill advancing in the New Jersey Legislature.

The Senate budget committee unanimously approved a bill Tuesday that would require the Community Affairs Department to create individualized schedules for applicants to the state's Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Elevation and Mitigations program. The bill also requires the department to set quarterly goals for aid distribution.

Homeowners and lawmakers have said getting aid is sometimes a long and difficult process.

Acting Community Affairs Commissioner Charles Richman has said about 8,400 homeowners will receive state grants, with many being approved by summer.

The October 2012 storm resulted in the deaths of 72 people along the East Coast and caused damage up to $50 billion.