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A 5886

Prohibits unfair residential real estate service agreements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Catalina Cruz and 2 co-sponsors

Revises New Jersey election rules to tighten deadlines for gubernatorial writs, set ballot-position drawing times, and require publication of writs for federal vacancies.

SUBSTITUTED BY S6361B
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5886

Summary — Assembly Bill A5886 (2025)

Bill number: A5886
Title (as filed): Prohibits unfair residential real estate service agreements
Status: Substituted by S6361B (see note)
Introduced: June 25, 2025
Committee referrals / actions: Referred to Assembly State & Local Government; multiple committee reports and print versions (A5886A–C); ordered to third reading; substituted by S6361B (6/13/2025).
Related / companion bills: S4664, S6361 (companion)

Note: The bill title as filed addresses residential real estate service agreements, but the text of the introduced version included in the record amends several sections of Title 19 (election law) concerning the filling of federal vacancies and ballot position/drawing procedures. Because the legislative actions indicate A5886 was substituted by S6361B, readers should consult S6361B (and the most recent A5886 print/version) to confirm the final subject-matter and provisions.

Purpose / Intent (per available text)

Although titled to address unfair residential real estate service agreements, the introduced textual content revises New Jersey election statutes related to:
- Governor’s duty to issue writs to fill U.S. House and U.S. Senate vacancies;
- Timing and procedures for drawing ballot positions and columns; and
- Publication timing for writs of election.

The apparent intent of the amendments in the introduced text is to clarify and change deadlines and procedures for special elections and ballot positioning.

Key provisions (from the introduced election-law text)

  • Amendments to R.S.19:3-27 and R.S.19:27-4:
    • Require the Governor to issue a writ of election to fill a U.S. House or Senate vacancy within 10 days of the vacancy—except when the remaining term is "less than 135 days" after the vacancy (replaces prior language referencing "within six months" or similar).
  • Amendments to R.S.19:27-6:
    • Clarifies timing options for special elections to fill federal vacancies; specifies special primary must be 70–76 days after proclamation and the special election 64–70 days after that primary.
    • Maintains rule that a Senate vacancy generally is filled at the next general election unless within 70 days before the primary.
  • Amendments to R.S.19:14-12:
    • Restates and clarifies the county clerk’s procedure for drawing lots to determine ballot column and candidate order; fixes the drawing for positions to occur at 3:00 p.m. on the 85th day prior to the general election (with special provisions for special elections).
  • Amendments to R.S.19:27-9:
    • Requires county boards to publish a copy of the writ in at least two newspapers in the county at least 45 days prior to the primary, general, or special election (publication at State expense if State-held election).

Who is affected

  • Voters and candidates in federal special elections (U.S. House, U.S. Senate) in New Jersey.
  • The Governor (timing obligation to issue writs).
  • County clerks and county boards (ballot drawing process, publication duties).
  • Political parties and petition candidates (ballot placement procedures).
  • Media outlets required to publish writs.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Multiple print versions were produced (A5886A, A5886B, A5886C) and the bill moved through Consumer Affairs & Protection, Codes, Rules, and State & Local Government committee steps.
  • Reported and ordered to third reading; however, on 2025-06-13 A5886 was substituted by S6361B. That substitution suggests the Senate companion (S6361B) carries the operative language going forward — verify S6361B for the current text and status.
  • Because the bill title and the available introduced text do not match, stakeholders should consult the legislative website for the latest engrossed/substituted version (S6361B) and the print number to determine the final subject and provisions.

Recommendation for readers

  • Confirm the current text by viewing A5886C and S6361B (substitute) on the New Jersey Legislature website or contacting the Assembly/Senate clerks. The substitution and differing title/text create uncertainty about whether the final measure concerns residential real estate agreements or election-law changes.

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

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