New Jersey Assembly Bill A2396

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Allows for the establishment of a "County Tenant Legal Assistance Program" in each county; requires portion of the administrative fee for residential mortgage execution sales fund the program.

Impact

The bill notably amends existing laws to allow counties to create dedicated funds sourced from specific sheriff fees associated with mortgage execution sales. Specifically, a portion of the fees collected will be allocated to support the County Tenant Legal Assistance Program. This funding mechanism is designed to ensure that resources are consistently available to support legal assistance for tenants and helps to extend the utility of these funds beyond the typical annual budget constraints that may limit such services.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2396 aims to establish a 'County Tenant Legal Assistance Program' in each county in New Jersey, providing legal representation for low-income families involved in landlord-tenant disputes in the Superior Court. The bill provides a structured approach for counties to aid vulnerable tenants who might be facing eviction or other legal challenges concerning their living situations. This initiative addresses significant gaps in currently available legal resources for low-income individuals, helping them navigate complex legal processes more effectively.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for addressing pressing legal needs in the community, it has also faced scrutiny and debate regarding its potential efficacy and implications. Critics may argue about the allocation of resources, particularly concerning how fees from sheriff sales will affect overall budgetary priorities within each county. Additionally, some may raise questions about the implementation of such programs across different counties, where resource availability and legal service capacity can vary significantly, creating inconsistencies in legal support for tenants throughout the state.