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Bill

Bill

A 3279

Creates Statewide right to counsel program in certain eviction proceedings, and appropriates $20,000,000.

2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes a statewide Tenant Right to Counsel giving income-eligible tenants free legal representation in eviction-related proceedings.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 3279

Summary of Bill A-3279 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and core intent

  • Establish a statewide “Tenant Right to Counsel” program in New Jersey eviction-related proceedings.
  • Provide no-cost legal representation to income-eligible tenants facing eviction in specified proceedings.
  • Allocate $20,000,000 from the General Fund to administer and support the program, with potential for additional funds from federal, private, or other sources.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions (Section 2)

  • Covered individual: Income-eligible residential tenant, lessee, or occupant (includes various dwelling types and locations) within New Jersey.
  • Covered proceeding: Eviction-related judicial or administrative proceedings to terminate tenancy or housing subsidies, plus first appeals and certain related remedy actions, as identified by designated organizations.
  • Income-eligible tenant: An individual or household at 200% or less of the federal poverty level, facing eviction or related adverse actions, plus those receiving specific public assistance programs (e.g., TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, refugee benefits, SRAP, federal housing vouchers, certain rent-controlled units).
  • Designated organization: A housing-law-focused organization (not-for-profit or for-profit, including law firms) capable of delivering free legal services to eligible tenants, with demonstrated experience and a plan to reach limited-English-proficiency tenants and provide supervision/training.
  • Legal representation: Ongoing legal services, advice, advocacy, and related support from a designated organization.
  • Office: Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
  • Other defined terms set the scope of programs and services.

Establishment and administration (Section 3)

  • Creates a statewide tenant right to counsel program to provide free legal representation for covered individuals in covered proceedings.
  • The Department of Community Affairs (DCA), in coordination with the AOC, will administer the program and fund designated organizations to provide representation.
  • The program may obtain additional funding or services from federal, corporate, association, or individual sources.

Funding (Section 4)

  • A $20,000,000 General Fund appropriation to the DCA for administering and supporting the program, covering eligible eviction proceedings.
  • Potential for additional non-state funding to support representation, administration, and outreach.

Program design and operation (Section 5)

  • A designated coordinator (appointed by the DCA and AOC) will administer the program across the Special Civil Part of the NJ Superior Court.
  • AOC and DCA must ensure that income-eligible tenants have access to legal services by their first scheduled appearance or as soon as practicable after eviction notice or initiation.
  • Geographic mapping: Each designated organization identifies service areas, and a published roster of providers will be maintained on the New Jersey Courts website.
  • One-page plain-language notice: The program will use a simple notice to inform tenants of rights, with a toll-free phone number to access assistance; notices should be available online and included in court notices to self-represented parties.
  • Phased implementation: The program may roll out in phases, considering factors such as targeted income/geography, funding availability, number of qualified attorneys, and overall need.
  • No private right of action: The bill clarifies that it does not create a private right to sue the state or its agencies.

Accountability and reporting (Section 6)

  • Annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature evaluating program effectiveness.
  • Reports will include:
    • Estimated number and demographics of income-eligible tenants served.
    • Outcomes, such as cases resolved in tenant’s favor, displacement, or attorney withdrawal.
    • Data on non-payment and holdover petitions, evictions, and related metrics disaggregated by borough.
  • Privacy protections: Personal, identifiable information remains confidential when used for program administration.

Effective date (Section 7)

  • Takes effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment.
  • Applies to covered proceedings initiated after the effective date, with potential anticipatory action allowed for implementation.

Who is affected

  • Income-eligible tenants facing eviction or related housing actions.
  • Designated organizations capable of providing housing-law legal services.
  • Local jurisdictions and the courts (Special Civil Part) within New Jersey.
  • Administrative bodies (DCA and AOC) responsible for program oversight and reporting.

Practical impact

  • Aims to reduce barriers to legal representation for low-income tenants, potentially improving housing stability and reducing unnecessary displacement.
  • Introduces standardized access to counsel early in eviction processes and directs resources to eligible tenants through designated providers.
  • Creates transparency via public provider rosters and annual performance reporting.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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