This bill mandates that municipalities requiring an application fee for representation by a municipal public defender must notify applicants of the fee and the process to waive it if they cannot afford to pay. Specifically, it stipulates that the municipal court is responsible for providing this notice to all applicants. Additionally, it clarifies that no fees beyond those allowed by existing law (section 17 of P.L.1997, c.256) can be charged for public defender representation.

Under current law, municipalities can charge an application fee of up to $200, which is intended to cover the costs of public defender services. The law also allows for the waiver of this fee if the applicant can demonstrate that it poses an unreasonable burden. The provisions of this bill aim to ensure that individuals seeking legal representation are adequately informed of their financial obligations and options for fee waivers, thereby promoting access to justice. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after it is enacted.