New Jersey Assembly Bill A2553

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Requires municipal accounting of abandoned properties before receiving certain State aid; establishes State database of abandoned properties; requires owners of abandoned properties to document rehabilitation efforts.

Impact

The bill is likely to have significant implications for state laws governing local government operations, specifically regarding financial assistance and property management. If municipalities fail to meet the provisions outlined in the bill, they risk losing access to various state aid programs, including the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid. This establishes a direct link between compliance with the registry requirements and financial support from the state, thereby incentivizing local governments to prioritize the rehabilitation of abandoned properties.

Summary

A2553 is a legislative bill introduced in New Jersey, primarily aimed at addressing the issue of abandoned properties within municipalities. The bill mandates that every municipality maintain a registry of all such properties, detailing ownership, responsible parties for rehabilitation, and the status of any ongoing rehabilitation efforts. Before municipalities can receive certain forms of state aid, they must comply with this requirement by submitting their registries to the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). This requirement is designed to promote accountability and ensure that municipalities are actively managing the rehabilitation of abandoned properties.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding A2553 is the strain it places on municipalities, particularly those already facing financial challenges. Critics argue that the requirements to maintain a property registry and send quarterly notices to property owners may impose additional administrative burdens and costs. Municipalities that do not comply with these requirements risk losing vital funding, which could exacerbate fiscal distress. Proponents, however, argue that the bill fosters necessary accountability and proactive measures to address the negative impact of abandoned properties on local communities.