The bill amends the "Fair Housing Act" in New Jersey to strengthen the framework for affordable housing, particularly in response to the New Jersey Supreme Court's Mount Laurel decisions. It abolishes the ineffective Council on Affordable Housing and introduces new methodologies for municipalities to determine their fair share obligations. The legislation emphasizes the constitutional duty of municipalities to provide housing for low- and moderate-income families and includes provisions for age-restricted housing to accommodate the elderly. Additionally, it establishes an Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program to address compliance issues and sets specific deadlines for municipalities to adopt housing plans, with penalties for non-compliance.

Key amendments include the requirement for municipalities to create a housing element that aligns with their master plans, detailing affordable housing needs and strategies for meeting them. The bill also introduces the "New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund" to support various affordable housing initiatives and mandates that a minimum percentage of units be reserved for families with children. Furthermore, it clarifies the responsibilities of administrative agents and municipal housing liaisons in monitoring compliance, while ensuring transparency in the collection and expenditure of development fees. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the availability and accessibility of affordable housing in New Jersey while ensuring adherence to established standards and regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-302, 52:27D-304, 52:27D-313, 2A:50-56, 5:18-2, 13:20-23, 17:11C-55, 39:4-10.2, 40:55D-8.2, 40:55D-8.3, 40:55D-8.4, 40:55D-8.5, 40:55D-8.7, 40:55D-8.8, 40:55D-40.3, 40A:12A-3, 40A:12A-16, 52:27D-310, 52:27D-310.1, 52:27D-311, 52:27D-320, 52:27D-321, 52:27D-321.1, 52:27D-329.1, 52:27D-329.2, 52:27D-329.4, 52:27D-329.9, 55:14K-56, 55:14K-60, 55:14K-74
Advance Law: 52:27D-302, 52:27D-304, 52:27D-313, 2A:50-56, 5:18-2, 13:20-23, 17:11C-55, 39:4-10.2, 40:55D-8.2, 40:55D-8.3, 40:55D-8.4, 40:55D-8.5, 40:55D-8.7, 40:55D-8.8, 40:55D-40.3, 40A:12A-3, 40A:12A-16, 52:27D-310, 52:27D-310.1, 52:27D-311, 52:27D-320, 52:27D-321, 52:27D-321.1, 52:27D-329.1, 52:27D-329.2, 52:27D-329.4, 52:27D-329.9, 55:14K-56, 55:14K-60, 55:14K-74
Pamphlet Law: 52:27D-302, 52:27D-304, 52:27D-313, 2A:50-56, 5:18-2, 13:20-23, 17:11C-55, 39:4-10.2, 40:55D-8.2, 40:55D-8.3, 40:55D-8.4, 40:55D-8.5, 40:55D-8.7, 40:55D-8.8, 40:55D-40.3, 40A:12A-3, 40A:12A-16, 52:27D-310, 52:27D-310.1, 52:27D-311, 52:27D-320, 52:27D-321, 52:27D-321.1, 52:27D-329.1, 52:27D-329.2, 52:27D-329.4, 52:27D-329.9, 55:14K-56, 55:14K-60, 55:14K-74