A committee assembled by the New Jersey Supreme Court has issued a blueprint for reforming the state’s vast system of municipal courts, with an emphasis on reducing excessive fines imposed on litigants, improving the process for selecting and retaining municipal court judges, and paying closer attention to judicial independence.

The report, issued Tuesday, includes 49 recommendations aimed at addressing criticism the courts have received concerning procedures for enforcement of fines and fees, as well as a public perception that municipalities are increasingly relying on fines from tickets as a source of significant revenue.