NJ A972

Prohibits courts from awarding a "builder's remedy" to plaintiffs in exclusionary zoning litigation challenging municipal zoning and land use regulations

Defines "builder's remedy" as a court-imposed requirement that municipalities use zoning techniques like mandatory set-asides or density bonuses to make residential developments economically viable by including market-rate housing alongside affordable units

Declares that builder's remedies have harmed public interest by generating large amounts of market-rate housing in densely populated areas while producing relatively little affordable housing

Allows courts to impose alternative remedies (other than builder's remedy) when a municipality fails to meet its obligation to provide realistic opportunities for affordable housing development

Expresses legislative preference for mediation and review processes rather than litigation to resolve exclusionary zoning disputes