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Bill > S3078
NJ S3078
NJ S3078Authorizes certain real property transfers without certain municipal transfer approvals and water testing.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that a municipal ordinance requiring an inspection or municipal transfer approval, as defined in the bill, is to be inapplicable to an involuntary real property transfer whether prior to or following the transfer, except as otherwise provided in the bill. The bill provides that the owner of a property acquired by an involuntary real property transfer, as defined in the bill, is to be exempt from the enforcement of a local ordinance concerning buildings and structures and their occupancy and use, housing, zoning, and property maintenance for the later of: (1) a period of 90 days following the transfer; or (2) if the owner has a civil action pending in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover possession of the property, a period of 90 days following the date the owner recovers possession of the property. The bill provides that nothing in the bill is to preclude a municipality from abating a violation and placing a lien on a property subject to an involuntary real property transfer as permitted by law. The bill also provides that a municipal ordinance requiring a municipal transfer approval prior to a transfer of real property is to be implemented as requiring issuance of a temporary transfer approval, not to exceed 90 days, if certain provisions are met, as enumerated in the bill. The provisions of the bill are to preempt any law, ordinance, resolution, or regulation adopted by the governing body of a county or municipality concerning buildings and structures and their occupancy and use, housing, zoning, and property maintenance to the extent it is inconsistent with the provisions of the bill. The bill also provides that notwithstanding the provisions of any law, ordinance, resolution, or regulation of a county, county health department, health agency, or board of health concerning water tests, a water test is not to be required of a property subject to an involuntary real property transfer.
AI Summary
This bill exempts certain "involuntary real property transfers," which are defined as property transfers resulting from foreclosures, sheriff sales, bankruptcy, or sales for delinquent taxes, from typical municipal requirements like inspections and transfer approvals. For properties acquired through such involuntary transfers, owners are granted a 90-day grace period following the transfer, or following the recovery of possession if a legal action is pending, during which they are exempt from local ordinances related to building codes, occupancy, use, housing, zoning, and property maintenance. While municipalities can still address violations and place liens, this bill preempts any conflicting local laws. Additionally, for any municipal transfer approval that would normally be required before a property transfer, this bill allows for a temporary 90-day approval if specific conditions are met by both the seller and buyer, such as the seller's recorded ownership and certifications about property occupancy and the buyer's commitment to address violations. Crucially, this bill also amends existing law to explicitly state that water tests are not required for properties involved in an involuntary real property transfer, overriding any county or local regulations that might otherwise mandate them.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S3078 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3078_I1.HTM |
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