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NJ S362

NJ S362
Specifies inapplicability of "Fair Chance in Housing Act" to county and municipal landlords.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would amend the "Fair Chance in Housing Act," P.L.2021, c.110 (C.46:8-52 et seq.), to clarify that a county or municipality that directly rents one or more residential units to one or more tenants is not a housing provider, as defined in that act. During 2021, the Legislature enacted the "Fair Chance in Housing Act" for the purpose of establishing certain housing rights for persons with criminal records. That enactment was designed to expand opportunities for people with criminal records to find safe, affordable housing and reduce recidivism. Since enactment of the "Fair Chance in Housing Act," it has been disputed whether the act's provisions apply to a county or municipal government that directly rent one or more residential units to one or more tenants. This bill resolves those disputes by specifically providing that the "Fair Chance in Housing Act" does not apply to a county or municipal or county government that directly rents one or more residential units to one or more tenants.

AI Summary

This bill clarifies that the "Fair Chance in Housing Act," a law enacted in 2021 to help people with criminal records find housing and reduce reoffending, does not apply to counties or municipalities that directly rent out residential units. The "Fair Chance in Housing Act" aims to provide housing rights for individuals with criminal records, and this bill specifically amends the definition of "housing provider" and "rental dwelling unit" within that act to exclude county and municipal governments when they are acting as landlords. This change addresses past disputes about whether the act's protections extended to these governmental entities when they rent properties.

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)

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