S 2928, "The Preserving Affordable Main Streets Act," modifies zoning rules in New Jersey municipalities to encourage residential development near transit and commercial corridors. It requires municipalities with transit stations to remove minimum parking requirements and use variances for mixed-use or multi-unit developments meeting specific criteria: at least 15 dwelling units per acre, 50% lot area served by water/sewer infrastructure, and location within a half-mile of a transit station. For municipalities without transit stations, it allows similar developments in high-density areas (500+ people/sq mile or 7,500+ population) within a quarter-mile of a main street corridor. The bill also mandates 65-day approval timelines for qualifying projects and voids non-compliant zoning rules if municipalities fail to update ordinances within six months.
This bill revises New Jersey's tax lien foreclosure process to require returning excess proceeds from property sales to former owners after lienholders are reimbursed for unpaid taxes and interest. It directly affects property owners facing tax lien foreclosures and both municipal and private lienholders under current tax sale law. The change responds to court rulings (Tyler v. Hennepin County and a New Jersey Appellate Division case) finding that retaining all sale proceeds violates constitutional protections against uncompensated property takings. The law would end the practice of "equity theft" by mandating that property equity beyond the tax debt must be returned to the original owner.
This bill extends a 5-business-day grace period for rent payments to tenants receiving public assistance, preventing landlords from charging late fees during this time. It directly affects qualified tenants who receive benefits like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Work First New Jersey payments. The key change requires the grace period to start only after the tenant receives their final monthly public assistance payment, and leases must specify scheduled payment dates. Landlords cannot impose late charges before the grace period begins, aligning the timing with when tenants typically receive their assistance funds.
This bill increases New Jersey's senior citizens' and disabled persons' property tax deduction by raising the annual income limit for eligibility from $10,000 to $25,000 and increasing the maximum annual deduction amount from $250 to $500. It directly affects qualifying residents aged 65+ or permanently disabled with household income under $25,000 who own or occupy qualifying housing. The changes would take effect only after voters approve a constitutional amendment revising these thresholds, as specified in the bill. The current limits (set in 1983) have not been updated since 1983.
This bill appropriates $100 million to provide financial assistance to New Jersey residents affected by Hurricane Ida's remnants (Sept 2021 storm). It directly helps eligible property owners, renters, and vehicle owners who suffered damage to their primary residence or transportation, verified through FEMA, insurance, or municipal documentation. Key provisions include reimbursements for home repairs, temporary housing costs, vehicle replacement/repairs, uncovered personal property ($50,000 cap), and gap funding for disaster mitigation, while prioritizing those not covered by federal CDBG-DR funds (income limit: $1M combined income). The Division of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation will administer applications, set timelines, and prioritize claims if demand exceeds funds.
This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to use up to 30% of their municipal development fee trust funds - designated for affordable housing programs - to provide down payment assistance grants to first-time veteran homebuyers, with each veteran eligible for up to $15,000 per grant. The grants will not be counted as income for determining eligibility for other state benefits or for tax purposes. This policy change directs existing municipal funds toward supporting veterans in purchasing homes, supplementing other state housing assistance programs without creating new funding.
This bill establishes the "New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act," creating a Migrant and Refugee Resource Coordination Program within the Department of Human Services. The program connects migrants (individuals relocating to NJ from other countries) and refugees (those granted federal refugee status) with public assistance resources, including housing, healthcare, education, job training, and legal services. The Department must collaborate with local governments and community organizations, implement multilingual outreach, and submit annual reports detailing program effectiveness and recommendations. The law takes immediate effect and focuses on facilitating access to existing state services, not creating new benefits.
SCR 52 proposes a constitutional amendment to ban exclusionary zoning in New Jersey, which prevents municipalities from blocking housing development for low and moderate income residents. The amendment explicitly states that towns are not required to build or fund affordable housing units, removing the "affirmative obligation" that fueled costly lawsuits. This change aims to end "builder's remedy" cases where courts forced specific housing projects, while still allowing courts to strike down discriminatory zoning practices. The amendment must be approved by New Jersey voters in the next general election.
This bill (S 2659) shortens the timeframe municipalities must wait before treating certain vacant properties as abandoned from six months to three months. It directly affects local governments (municipalities) and property owners of buildings that have been legally unoccupied for three months and meet specific criteria, such as needing rehabilitation, having unpaid taxes, or being declared a nuisance. Key provisions include reducing the vacancy period for abandonment determination, requiring municipalities to provide notice to owners before seeking control, and allowing faster rehabilitation efforts without owner action. This change streamlines how towns address neglected properties that require repair.
S 1219 requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to create inspection procedures for mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities, and to establish certification programs for mold inspectors and abatement workers. The bill mandates that inspectors must complete training in mold identification, sampling methods, moisture detection, and relevant laws, while abatement workers must learn safe removal techniques, cleaning protocols, and protective measures. These certification programs, to be implemented within 12 months of the bill's effective date, will require ongoing education and allow DCA to enforce standards through fees, examinations, and penalties for violations. The law directly affects residential property owners, school districts, and professionals working in mold inspection and remediation.
