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Bill

S 268

Revises "Homelessness Prevention Program"; requires new charge for filing of eviction action.*

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Cryan and 4 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill establishes filing fees on eviction actions to fund an expanded homelessness prevention program, linking court costs directly to housing stability services.

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · S 268

Legislative bill overview

S 268 revises New Jersey's Homelessness Prevention Program and establishes a new filing fee for eviction actions. The bill aims to generate revenue from eviction filings to fund homelessness prevention efforts, creating a direct financial link between eviction proceedings and support services designed to prevent housing loss.

Why is this important

Homelessness prevention is significantly less costly than addressing chronic homelessness through emergency services and shelters. By funding prevention programs through eviction filing fees, the state attempts to create a sustainable revenue mechanism while potentially reducing downstream costs associated with homelessness. This approach recognizes that early intervention—legal aid, rental assistance, mediation—can keep people housed before they become unhoused.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive impact on low-income renters: Filing fees burden those already in financial distress; landlords may pass costs to tenants or use fees as justification for increased rents, potentially worsening affordability
  • Landlord compliance concerns: Small property owners and residential landlords may object to new fees on routine legal filings, arguing it discourages legitimate eviction proceedings or increases their operating costs
  • Revenue adequacy and program design: Unclear whether filing fee revenue will reliably fund meaningful prevention programs or if the program structure itself has been reformed to improve effectiveness beyond just adding funding

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

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