Creates Statewide right to counsel program in certain eviction proceedings, and appropriates $20,000,000.
This bill establishes a statewide program providing free legal representation to income-eligible tenants facing eviction in New Jersey. It directly affects tenants with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, including those receiving public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance. The program, funded by a $20 million appropriation from the General Fund, requires designated legal organizations to provide attorneys to eligible tenants in eviction cases within the Special Civil Part of New Jersey Superior Court, ensuring access "as soon as practicable" after eviction notices. The Department of Community Affairs and courts must publish plain-language notices about the program and submit annual reports tracking participation and outcomes.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024
Last action Jan 9, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Will Sampson
DDemocratic
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