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Bill

Bill

A 4436

Requires local unit to accept electronic payment of construction code fees.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Freiman and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey municipalities must accept electronic payments for construction code fees, modernizing permit payment processing and reducing administrative delays for property owners and contractors.

Reported out of Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · A 4436

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4436 mandates that New Jersey municipalities must accept electronic payments for construction code fees, eliminating the requirement that property owners and contractors pay exclusively through traditional methods like checks or in-person cash payments. The bill passed the Assembly with overwhelming support (75-1) and has progressed through the Senate committee process.

Why is this important

Construction code fees are routine expenses for developers and property owners undertaking building projects, and forcing electronic payment acceptance reduces administrative burden for both municipalities and applicants. This modernization aligns with broader digital payment trends in government services and can accelerate permit processing by reducing payment delays and processing errors.

Potential points of contention

  • Municipal compliance costs: Smaller municipalities may need to invest in electronic payment infrastructure and staff training, potentially straining limited budgets
  • Payment processor fees: Local units may absorb transaction fees from credit/debit card processors, increasing municipal costs or requiring fee pass-through to applicants
  • Implementation timeline: The bill does not specify a compliance deadline, creating uncertainty about when municipalities must transition and potentially creating unequal application across jurisdictions

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

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