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NJ S428

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Brian Stack

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Municipalities may enact ordinances allowing them to place liens on insurance proceeds from fire-damaged properties to ensure restoration, with the lien amount capped at policy limits for real property damage plus debris removal
  • Property owners can avoid municipal retention of insurance proceeds by agreeing in writing to restore fire-damaged property to its pre-fire condition within 120 days and providing adequate guarantees such as escrow deposits or performance bonds
  • If property owners fail to restore fire-damaged structures within 120 days of the municipality receiving insurance proceeds, the municipality may use those funds to secure, repair, or demolish the property to meet local code requirements
  • Business owners and rental property owners must maintain liability insurance covering fire and explosion damage of at least $500,000, while owner-occupied multifamily homes of four units or fewer must maintain at least $300,000 in such coverage
  • Insurers must provide municipalities with coverage statements within 14 days of receiving a fire-related claim and conduct physical inspections within 35 days, or the claim may be deemed settled at full policy limits

Legislative Description

Permits municipalities to place lien on fire-damaged property's insurance proceeds in certain instances and requires fire and explosion insurance coverage for certain individuals.

Commerce

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Commerce1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available