Bill > S50

This bill reforms municipal responsibilities concerning the provision of affordable housing, abolishes the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), and appropriates $16 million. Key provisions include: - Establishing a new process for municipalities to determine and meet their fair share of affordable housing obligations, with the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) calculating regional and municipal housing needs and municipalities adopting housing elements and fair share plans. The bill includes timelines, dispute resolution procedures, and remedies for municipalities that do not meet deadlines. - Abolishing COAH and transferring its responsibilities to municipalities, the DCA, and a new Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program within the courts. - Appropriating $12 million to the Dispute Resolution Program and $4 million to the DCA to carry out the new responsibilities established by the bill. The bill is intended to implement the Mount Laurel doctrine, establish definitive deadlines, and provide more clarity on calculating municipal fair share obligations to help expedite the production of affordable housing across the state.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S50