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Bill > S4222
NJ S4222
NJ S4222Permits municipalities to acquire real property that is abandoned, vacant, or subject to unpaid taxes.
summary
Introduced
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill permits a municipality to obtain title to real property that is vacant, abandoned, or subject to unpaid taxes by purchasing the property for the fair market value, or by exercising the municipality's power of eminent domain and acquiring title to the real property pursuant to the "Eminent Domain Act of 1971," P.L.1971, c.361 (C.20:3-1 et seq.), in lieu of acquiring title to the real property pursuant to the "Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act," (APRA) P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 et seq.), the "tax sale law," R.S.54:5-1 et seq., and the In Rem Tax Foreclosure Act (1948), P.L.1948, c.96 (C.54:5-104.29 et seq.). The bill further specifies, for real property acquired by a municipality pursuant to the bill, a municipality is permitted to subtract the amount of any unpaid taxes and municipal liens from the amount the municipality would otherwise be required to pay to the owner of the real property in compensation. Additionally, the bill imposes certain requirement on a municipality if the municipality is unable, after making good faith and diligent efforts, to locate the owner of real property subject to municipal action pursuant to the bill. The bill provides a different definition of the terms "abandoned" or "vacant" than is provided in the APRA. Under the bill, the terms "abandoned" or "vacant" means real property that exhibits at least four of 14 qualifiers indicating abandonment or vacancy, as specified in the bill. The bill provides that real property is not "abandoned" or "vacant" if, on the property: § there exists an unoccupied building, which is undergoing construction, renovation, or rehabilitation that is proceeding diligently to completion, and the building is in compliance with all applicable ordinances, codes, regulations, and statutes;§ there is a building occupied on a seasonal basis, but otherwise secure; or§ there is a building that is secure, but is the subject of a probate action, action to quiet title, or other ownership dispute.
AI Summary
This bill addresses the issue of vacant and abandoned properties by providing municipalities with more flexible methods to acquire such properties. The legislation defines "abandoned" or "vacant" properties as those exhibiting at least four out of 14 specific conditions, such as overgrown vegetation, disconnected utilities, boarded-up windows, or accumulation of debris. Municipalities can now obtain title to these properties either by purchasing them at fair market value or by using eminent domain, which is the government's power to take private property for public use. When acquiring such properties, municipalities can subtract any unpaid taxes and municipal liens from the compensation owed to the property owner. If the owner cannot be located after good faith efforts, the municipality must hold the compensation in trust for one year before it is considered abandoned. The bill recognizes that vacant and abandoned properties can create significant problems for communities, including increased criminal activity, public health risks, and decreased property values. Importantly, the bill specifies that properties undergoing active renovation, seasonally occupied, or involved in ownership disputes would not be considered abandoned. The legislation aims to help municipalities more easily address blighted properties and improve community conditions.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 03/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4222 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4222_I1.HTM |
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