A5297: Requires parties in arbitration hearings to be represented by attorneys in certain circumstances.

ASSEMBLY, No. 5297 STATE OF NEW JERSEY 222nd LEGISLATURE INTRODUCED JUNE 23, 2026 Sponsored by: Assemblyman DAN HUTCHISON District 4 (Atlantic, Camden and Gloucester) SYNOPSIS Requires parties in arbitration hearings to be represented by attorneys in certain circumstances. CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT As introduced. An Act concerning arbitration hearings 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 hearing concerning a claim for personal injury protection benefits as established by section 24 of P.L.1998, c.21 (C.39:6A-5.1) shall be represented by an attorney licensed to practice law in the State, retained at the party's own expense. b. This section shall not apply to a pro se litigant, who is a litigant appearing on the litigant's own behalf. 2. This act shall take effect on the 90th day next following the date of enactment and shall apply to arbitration hearings that are initiated on or after that date. STATEMENT This bill requires a party in an arbitration proceeding to be represented by an attorney in certain circumstances, at the party's own expense. Specifically, under the bill, a party to an arbitration proceeding concerning a claim for personal injury protection benefits will be required to be represented by an attorney licensed to practice law in New Jersey, retained at the party's own expense. The provisions of this bill will not apply to a pro se litigant, who is a litigant appearing on the litigant's own behalf.