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Bill > S407
NJ S407
NJ S407Provides exception for Legal Services of New Jersey and other public interest organizations from confidentiality of certain eviction actions.
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 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 amends existing law to create an exception to the confidentiality of certain eviction records, specifically those related to the "emergency period" of nonpayment, which refers to the period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, these records were kept private, preventing organizations like Legal Services of New Jersey, which provides free legal help to low-income individuals, from accessing them to assist tenants. The bill allows attorneys from Legal Services of New Jersey and other non-profit public interest organizations, as well as law school clinical and pro bono programs that are certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court, to access these eviction court records. This access is granted regardless of whether they have formally entered a case, enabling them to better understand tenant situations and provide informed legal advice and assistance, even if they are not yet representing a specific party in court.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary 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/S407 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/407_I1.HTM |
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