This bill addresses eviction and homelessness prevention by establishing a new filing fee for eviction actions. Specifically, it mandates a charge of $150 for filing an eviction action, which is to be collected in addition to existing fees. The revenue generated from this new fee will be directed to the Office of Eviction Prevention within the Department of Community Affairs, which will utilize these funds for various eviction prevention services. These services include employing resource navigators to assist households facing eviction, providing relocation and rapid rehousing assistance, and connecting individuals to social services and legal support.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to allow for this new fee while maintaining a cap on the increase of other court fees, which cannot exceed $50 in total. It also empowers the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt immediate regulations to implement the bill's provisions, with a requirement to follow the standard administrative procedure thereafter. The bill is set to take effect six months after its enactment, allowing for necessary preparations to be made by the commissioner.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2B:1-7