Sponsored by:
Assemblyman CRAIG J. COUGHLIN
District 19 (Middlesex)
Assemblyman JOHN S. WISNIEWSKI
District 19 (Middlesex)
Assemblyman JOHN F. AMODEO
District 2 (Atlantic)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Gusciora
SYNOPSIS
Establishes the “Superstorm Sandy Victims’ Bill of Rights.”
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act establishing the “Superstorm Sandy Victims’ Bill of Rights” and supplementing chapter 9 of Appendix A.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. In order to ensure that the victims of Superstorm Sandy are treated fairly and respectfully, the Department of Community Affairs, through rule and regulation, shall establish a “Superstorm Sandy Victims’ Bill of Rights,” guaranteeing that any victim of Superstorm Sandy, or subsequent similar disaster, who is eligible for a property buyout or home elevation shall have the right to access their property appraisal, and shall also have the right to challenge that appraisal along with any other monetary offer in connection with the buyout or home elevation. The “Superstorm Sandy Victims’ Bill of Rights” shall also include, but shall not be limited to the right of the property owner, along with his or her agents and consultants:
a. To be given the opportunity to accompany the appraiser during inspection of the property;
b. To provide to the appraiser any information related to the valuation of the property;
c. To obtain a signed statement from the appraiser stating that the additional information provided through subsection b. of this section has been considered in appraising the property;
d. To be afforded at least 60 calendar days from receipt of an appraisal or monetary offer to review the offer, seek any clarifications, and file an appeal if necessary;
e. To be given the opportunity to have their own appraisal conducted by a State-licensed appraiser; and
f. To obtain a written response to any appeal of an appraisal or monetary offer, explaining why any changes have or have not been made to the valuation or offer.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill would establish a “Superstorm Sandy Victims’ Bill of Rights,” guaranteeing that any victim of Superstorm Sandy, or similar disaster in the future, who is eligible for a property buyout or home elevation shall have the right to access their appraisal, and shall also have the right to challenge that appraisal along with any other monetary offer. More specifically, this bill would include, but would not be limited to offering the property owner, or certain representatives thereof, the opportunity to:
· accompany the appraiser during inspection of the property;
· provide to the appraiser any information related to the valuation of the property;
· obtain a signed statement from the appraiser stating that the additional information provided has been considered;
· be afforded at least 60 calendar days from receipt of an offer to review the offer, seek any clarifications, and file an appeal if necessary;
· To be given the opportunity to have their own appraisal conducted by a State-licensed appraiser; and
· To obtain a written response to any appeal of an appraisal or monetary offer, explaining why any changes have or have not been made to the valuation or offer.
The “Superstorm Sandy Victims’ Bill of Rights” would take effect immediately.