NJ A3279

Establishes a statewide tenant right to counsel program providing 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 additional funding permitted from federal, corporate, or individual sources

Defines income-eligible tenants as those with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or recipients of public assistance including TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing vouchers, or SRAP

Requires the Department of Community Affairs and Administrative Office of the Courts to jointly oversee the program, appoint a coordinator, and contract with designated legal organizations to provide representation

Takes effect seven months after enactment and mandates annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on program effectiveness, including eviction outcomes and demographic data on individuals served