A 4897 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes "New Jersey Holistic Representation Model" in Office of Public Defender.

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Holistic Representation Model" statewide within the Office of the Public Defender to expand a pilot program that previously operated in three counties. The law requires each regional office to form teams for eligible clients that pair a public defender attorney with a non-attorney client services specialist. These specialists are tasked with connecting individuals to resources for mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, and other life challenges while attorneys focus on legal defense. The act also mandates the creation of databases to track community resources and requires all team members to maintain client confidentiality.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced May 7, 2026 Last action May 7, 2026
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May 7, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
lower
3 primary · 7 co-sponsors

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