§ 55:14K-95 — Findings, declarations relative to foreclosure prevention.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. New Jersey experienced heightened foreclosure rates during the Great Recession beginning in 2008 and continuing for the ensuing decade, only returning to pre-recession rates of foreclosure in 2019. b. New Jersey is currently suffering through the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 1.6 million New Jersey residents seeking unemployment benefits due to job loss, furlough, or hour reductions. c. Homeowners in New Jersey have suffered enormous negative economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased housing insecurity. During each month from April 2020 through August 2020, the number of New Jersey households that deferred or did not pay their mortgages exceeded 160,000; d. Given New Jersey's susceptibility to prolonged periods of elevated rates of foreclosure, as evidenced by the long-term impact of the Great Recession, the Legislature hereby determines and declares that there is a need to provide alternative foreclosure mitigation measures. L.2021, c.34, s.2.