[Second Reprint]
SENATE, No. 1417
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
222nd LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2026 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Senator JOSEPH A. LAGANA
District 38 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Requires parties in arbitration hearings to be represented by attorneys in certain circumstances.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As amended by the Senate on February 24, 2026.
An Act concerning arbitration 2[proceedings] hearings2 and supplementing P.L.1983, c.358 (C.39:6A-24 et seq.).
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. A party to an arbitration 2[proceeding] hearing2 concerning a claim for personal injury protection 2[coverage] benefits as established by section 24 of P.L.1998, c.21 (C.39:6A-5.1)2 shall be represented by an attorney licensed to practice law in the State1, retained at the party’s own expense1.
b. 2[As used in this section, “personal injury protection coverage” means the same as section 4 of P.L.1972, c.70 (C.39:6A-4).] This section shall not apply to a pro se litigant, who is a litigant appearing on the litigant’s own behalf.2
2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day next following 1the date of1 enactment and shall apply to arbitration 2[proceedings] hearings2 that are initiated on or after that date.