Bill > A6259

Introduced Session

This bill provides an exception for Legal Services of New Jersey and other non-profit public interest organizations, law school clinical and pro bono programs from the confidentiality imposed by N.J.S.A.2A:42-146. Prior to enactment of N.J.S.A.2A:42-146, Legal Services of New Jersey and other public interest advocates had the ability to view a court case to determine the status, facts alleged, and other relevant information needed to provide informed advice to unrepresented tenants. Without this exception, Legal Services of New Jersey and other public interest organizations will be unable to provide immediate legal assistance to unrepresented tenants, or to make informed decisions on the merits or need for referral of a particular case. This bill provides that confidentiality of records imparted by N.J.S.A.2A:42-146 does not prohibit access to court records for Legal Services of New Jersey attorneys or for attorneys of other non-profit public interest organizations certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court under the New Jersey Rules of Court, Rule 1:21-11(b), irrespective of whether the attorney has entered a notice of appearance in a particular case. Public interest organizations, law school clinical pro bono programs, and federal, state, and local governmental entities can apply for yearly certification under Rule 1:21-11(b) if the organization provides qualifying pro bono services as defined under Rule 1:21-11(a) of the court rules.

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Gordon Johnson (D)*, 

Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading (on 01/06/2022)

Official Document