Bill
Bill > A766
NJ A766
NJ A766Removes municipal authority to charge application fee for representation by municipal public defender.
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 repeals the law permitting a municipality to impose an application fee for a person applying for representation by a municipal public defender. Under current law, N.J.S.A.2B:24-17, a municipality is permitted to impose, by ordinance, an application fee of up to $200 on any person applying for representation by a municipal public defender. A court is permitted to waive any required application fee, in whole or in part, if the court determines that the application fee represents an unreasonable burden on the person seeking representation. This bill would repeal this statute and thus remove the authority of a municipality to impose such fee. It is the sponsor's intent to remove any barrier, including the imposition of a fee, to a person's Sixth Amendment right under the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees individuals accused of crimes the right to counsel.
AI Summary
This bill removes the authority of municipalities to charge an application fee to individuals seeking representation from a municipal public defender, which is an attorney appointed by the court to defend those who cannot afford legal counsel. Currently, under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2B:24-17), towns can charge up to $200 for this application, though courts can waive the fee if it poses a financial hardship. The bill repeals this existing law, thereby eliminating the possibility of such fees and ensuring that no financial barrier prevents individuals from accessing their Sixth Amendment right to legal representation when accused of a crime.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly 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/A766 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/766_I1.HTM |
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