NJ Supreme Court Unveils New Initiatives to Reduce Fines, Tackle Housing, and Medical Debt

The latest action plan includes efforts to reduce fines, increase transparency on affordable housing, and offer alternatives in medical debt collection cases.

The New Jersey Supreme Court has unveiled the fifth installment of its annual Action Plan for Ensuring Equal Justice, with a focus on removing barriers to equitable justice for people of color and other marginalized communities. The Court announced three new initiatives aimed at reducing disparities within the legal system.

One of the key initiatives is to reduce fines and penalties for individuals who successfully complete Recovery Court or participate in other substance abuse treatment, educational, or vocational programs. This move seeks to lessen the financial burdens on those working to rebuild their lives.

Another significant component of the plan involves updating information on the Judiciary’s website regarding municipal affordable housing obligations. The Court aims to increase transparency by providing the public with the status of cases referred to the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program.

Additionally, the plan seeks to strengthen settlement opportunities in medical debt collection cases, a process that disproportionately affects individuals living in poverty. By encouraging settlements, the Court hopes to reduce the potentially devastating consequences of unresolved medical debts.

This latest action plan, available at njcourts.gov, also reviews progress made in the nine areas highlighted in the 2023 Action Plan. The New Jersey Supreme Court first launched its series of Action Plans in 2020 as part of an ongoing commitment to addressing systemic inequities in the state's justice system.