summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill creates the New Jersey Servicemembers' 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 themself is materially affected by the servicemember's military service;· Allowance of application for anticipatory relief by theservicemember;· 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 ofmilitary service;· A maximum six-percent rate of interest on debts incurredbefore 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 theAttorney 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. Key provisions include mandatory stays of civil proceedings and judgments when a servicemember's ability to defend themselves is impacted by their military service, protections against default judgments, relief from contracts that cannot be fulfilled due to service, tolling of statutes of limitations, a cap of six percent interest on pre-service debts, and relief related to evictions, foreclosures, and certain taxes. The act also allows for the termination of leases entered into before military service, protects against liens on property for storage or repair, extends powers of attorney for missing servicemembers, provides protections for life, professional liability, and health insurance, offers employment reemployment rights for returning servicemembers, reserves land rights, outlines procedures for waiving rights, and creates a civil action for violations, which can be brought by the Attorney General or an affected individual.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 02/19/2026)
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/S3527 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S4000/3527_I1.HTM |
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