New Jersey Senate Bill S941

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Enhances penalties upon certain violators of housing codes.

Impact

The implementation of SB 941 would empower municipalities with greater authority to enforce housing and zoning regulations, particularly targeting habitual violators. By facilitating harsher penalties for those who disregard notices of violations, it aims to ensure compliance and enhance the livability of communities. This legislation is seen as a necessary step to combat severe violations that endanger public safety and property standards within municipalities.

Summary

Senate Bill 941 aims to enhance the penalties for violators of housing codes in the state of New Jersey. It introduces provisions that allow municipalities to impose increased fines of up to $4,000 for continuing, flagrant violations of housing or zoning regulations, significantly raising the current threshold. Importantly, the bill retains existing procedures that require municipalities to provide property owners with a 30-day period to address violations and the opportunity for a judicial hearing before imposing fines greater than $1,250.

Contention

However, the bill does raise concerns among various stakeholders. Critics argue that the increased financial burdens it imposes may disproportionately affect lower-income property owners who may be less equipped to address violations promptly. Additionally, while the provision for hearings aims to provide due process, some advocates fear it might not be sufficient to protect property owners from unjust penalties. Discussions in legislative committees suggest a division on the balance between encouraging compliance and safeguarding the rights of property owners.