NJ A5617

Eliminates all court filing fees for individuals who are defendants in consumer debt collection lawsuits, including fees for filing an appearance, answer to complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party complaint

Applies to cases in both the Special Civil Part (including small claims) and the Civil Part of the Superior Court, Law Division

Defines "consumer debt" as debt incurred primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, including consumer credit and medical debt

Takes effect 90 days after enactment

Aims to address the problem of defendants failing to respond to debt collection lawsuits due to cost barriers, which often results in default judgments, wage garnishment, and additional fees