New Jersey legislation · 2026-2027 Regular Session
New Jersey A794: Real property abandoned, vacant, or subject to unpaid taxes-permit mun to aquire
Status: Passed both chambers, October 22, 2026
Modifies procedures for determination and payment of fair market value in distressed municipalities; concerns real property that is abandoned, vacant, or subject to unpaid taxes.
What the bill says
An Act concerning acquisition of certain real property by certain distressed municipalities, including procedures for determination and payment of fair market value, and supplementing P.L.1971, c.361 (C.20:3-1 et seq.).
From the amended text, May 14, 2026:
An Act concerning acquisition of certain real property by certain distressed municipalities, including procedures for determination and payment of fair market value, and supplementing P.L.1971, c.361 (C.20:3-1 et seq.). Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Vacant and abandoned properties create a greater risk of blight and can create a wide range of problems for the communities in which they are located. These problems can include fostering criminal activity, creating public health problems, depressing neighboring property values, reducing revenues for municipalities, and otherwise diminishing the quality of life for residents and business operators in those areas. b. While the "Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act," P.L.2003, c.210 (C.55:19-78 et seq.), the "tax sale law," R.S.54:5-1 et seq., and the In Rem Tax Foreclosure Act (1948), P.L.1948, c.96 (C.54:5-104.29 et seq.), enable a municipality to obtain title to real property that is abandoned, vacant, or subject to unpaid taxes, the difficulty of proving abandonment or vacancy, and the costs associated with obtaining title, pursuant to such laws, and the debt owed on the real property to the municipality, often outweighs the value of the property itself. c. Therefore, it is necessary, and shall constitute a public purpose, to enact legislation enabling a municipality to obtain title to …
Sponsors
- David Bailey, Jr. (D, 3) · primary sponsor
- Michael Venezia (D, 34) · primary sponsor
- William W. Spearman (D, 5) · primary sponsor
- John J. Burzichelli (D, 3) · primary sponsor
- Shirley K. Turner (D, 15) · primary sponsor
- William F. Moen, Jr. (D, 5)
- Katie Brennan (D, 32)
Latest actions
- : PS PBH (27-10)
- : SUB FOR S725 (1R)
- : REP 2RS
- : TRANS SSG
- : R/S REF SCU
- : PA (58-16-3)
- : REP/ACA 2RA
- : INT 1RA REF AHO
Votes
- 3RDG FINAL PASSAGE - Real property abandoned, vacant, or subject to unpaid taxes-permit mun to aquire (October 22, 2026): 27 yea, 10 nay, passed
- Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee: Reported favorably (June 11, 2026): 4 yea, 0 nay, passed
- 3RDG FINAL PASSAGE - Real property abandoned, vacant, or subject to unpaid taxes-permit mun to aquire (May 18, 2026): 58 yea, 16 nay, passed
- Assembly Housing Committee: Reported with committee amendments (Aca) (May 14, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: PROPERTY, LOCAL GOVERNMENT - MUNICIPALITIES
Common questions
- What is A794?
- A794 is a bill in the New Jersey Legislature (2026-2027 Regular Session): Real property abandoned, vacant, or subject to unpaid taxes-permit mun to aquire.
- What does A794 do?
- In its own words: An Act concerning acquisition of certain real property by certain distressed municipalities, including procedures for determination and payment of fair market value, and supplementing P.L.1971, c.361 (C.20:3-1 et seq.).
- What is the status of A794?
- Passed both chambers as of October 22, 2026. Latest action: PS PBH (27-10) (October 22, 2026).
- Who sponsored A794?
- David Bailey, Jr. (D, 3), with 6 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for A794?
- On the New Jersey Legislature website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A794
Source: official New Jersey record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.