Signed by Governor Phil Murphy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that repeals fees for use of state public defenders services.

Highlights:

• Establishes the duties for a public defender in New Jersey (Sec. 1):

• Provide legal representation for any indigent defendant who is charged;

• Provide all necessary services and facilities of representation; 

• Petitioning the compassionate release of certain eligible inmates; 

• Other duties. 

• Specifies that any unpaid outstanding balance related to court-ordered fees rendered by the office of the public defender shall be unenforceable and uncollectable (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that unsatisfied court ordered fees for services rendered by the office of the public defender are deemed to be null and void and shall be vacated and discharged (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that all warrants issued only on the basis of an alleged failure to pay or to appear on a court date due to reasons of payment of fees shall be vacated (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that the same applies to liens (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that repeals fees for use of state public defenders services.

Highlights:

• Establishes the duties for a public defender in New Jersey (Sec. 1):

• Provide legal representation for any indigent defendant who is charged;

• Provide all necessary services and facilities of representation; 

• Petitioning the compassionate release of certain eligible inmates; 

• Other duties. 

• Specifies that any unpaid outstanding balance related to court-ordered fees rendered by the office of the public defender shall be unenforceable and uncollectable (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that unsatisfied court ordered fees for services rendered by the office of the public defender are deemed to be null and void and shall be vacated and discharged (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that all warrants issued only on the basis of an alleged failure to pay or to appear on a court date due to reasons of payment of fees shall be vacated (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that the same applies to liens (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text