NJ A1079

Establishes the "Tenant Right to Counsel Act of 2022," creating a statewide program to provide free legal representation to income-eligible tenants facing eviction proceedings in New Jersey Superior Court's Special Civil Part

Appropriates $20,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Community Affairs to administer the program, with the Administrative Office of the Courts serving as a co-administrator

Defines income-eligible tenants as those with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or recipients of programs including TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Section 8 vouchers, or residents of affordable housing units

Requires designated organizations (nonprofit or for-profit legal services providers) to provide legal representation to eligible tenants as soon as possible after receiving notice of eviction or tenancy termination

Mandates annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on program effectiveness, including data on individuals served, case outcomes, eviction filings, and warrants issued by borough