This bill introduces a new charge of $150 for filing eviction actions in New Jersey, which is intended to support eviction prevention services through the Office of Eviction Prevention within the Department of Community Affairs. The bill highlights the negative impact of low eviction filing fees on tenant-landlord communication and the potential for increased homelessness. The funds collected from this new fee will be allocated to various services, including the employment of resource navigators who assist households facing eviction with accessing support services, rapid rehousing assistance, and legal resources.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to allow for this new fee despite a current limit on court filing fees of $50 in the aggregate. 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 time for necessary preparations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2B:1-7