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 creates the New Jersey Servicemember's Civil Relief Act and repeals the "New Jersey Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1979," (C.38:23C-1 et seq.). The purpose of the bill is to update and modernize the benefits and protections afforded to military servicemembers and their dependents and to bring such benefits and protections in line with those provided for by federal law. No benefits or protections are reduced in this bill. This bill expands the definition of those who are protected under New Jersey law, reconciles any differences between State and federal law, and affords greater protections to servicemembers in the State. These protections include:· Mandatory stays of civil proceedings and executions of judgments in circumstances when the servicemember's ability to represent himself is materially affected by his military service;· Allowance of application for anticipatory relief by the servicemember;· Protections against default judgments which cannot be properly defended by reason of military service;· Relief from contracts that cannot be performed due to military service;· Tolling of the statute of limitations during the period of military service;· A maximum six-percent rate of interest on debts incurred before military service;· Relief related to evictions, foreclosures, and certain taxes;· Termination of leases executed before an individual was called into military service;· Protections against liens for storage, repair, and cleaning of property and effects;· Automatic extension of the power of attorney for servicemembers who have entered missing status;· Protections regarding life insurance, professional liability insurance, and health insurance;· Employment protections for those returning from military service;· Reservation of land rights provided under federal law;· Procedures to effect waiver of any rights provided under the act; and· Creation of a civil action which may be brought by the Attorney General or a person aggrieved by a violation of the act.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the New Jersey Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act, replacing the older "New Jersey Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1979," to modernize and expand protections for military servicemembers and their dependents, aligning them with federal law without reducing any existing benefits. Key provisions include mandatory stays of civil proceedings and judgments when military service hinders a servicemember's ability to defend themselves, allowing for anticipatory relief applications, and protecting against default judgments. It also offers relief from contracts that cannot be fulfilled due to military service, tolls statutes of limitations during active duty, caps interest rates on pre-service debts at six percent, and provides protections related to evictions, foreclosures, and certain taxes. Furthermore, the act allows for the termination of leases entered into before active duty, shields servicemembers from liens on stored property, automatically extends powers of attorney for those declared missing, and safeguards life, professional liability, and health insurance. Employment protections are also included for returning servicemembers, and the bill preserves land rights granted by federal law, outlines procedures for waiving these protections, and empowers the Attorney General or aggrieved individuals to file civil actions for violations.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' 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/A2810 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2810_I1.HTM |
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