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Bill > S284
NJ S284
NJ S284Provides exception for Legal Services of New Jersey and other public interest organizations from confidentiality of certain eviction actions.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
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.
AI Summary
This bill provides an exception for Legal Services of New Jersey and other non-profit public interest organizations, as well as law school clinical and pro bono programs certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court, to access nonpayment court records despite the confidentiality requirements imposed by N.J.S.A.2A:42-146. This will allow these organizations to continue providing informed legal assistance to unrepresented tenants, even if they have not formally entered a notice of appearance in a particular case. The bill also allows for the courts and other public entities to retain and distribute demographic information from these records for public purposes, as long as personally identifiable information remains confidential.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
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State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S284 |
BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S0500/284_I1.HTM |
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