This bill amends New Jersey's "Law Against Discrimination" to strengthen protections against discrimination in housing and employment, particularly focusing on source of lawful income and age discrimination. It expands the definition of discrimination to include "nationality" and "source of lawful income used for rental or mortgage payments," thereby enhancing protections for individuals facing discrimination based on these factors. The bill also introduces new definitions, such as "source of lawful income," which encompasses various forms of income, including public assistance and rental assistance vouchers. Additionally, it establishes that housing for older persons must include significant facilities and services tailored to their needs, with at least 80% of units occupied by individuals aged 55 or older.

Moreover, the bill clarifies definitions related to employment and housing accommodations, ensuring inclusivity in terms such as "employer," "housing accommodation," and "public facility." It expands the scope of the Division on Civil Rights to include protections against discrimination based on source of lawful income, mandates the Attorney General to adopt regulations to prevent unlawful discrimination, and updates the definition of unlawful employment practices to include discrimination based on genetic information. The bill also emphasizes the importance of gender-neutral language, replacing specific gendered terms with neutral alternatives to promote inclusivity. Overall, the bill aims to create a more equitable environment in housing and employment sectors, ensuring that all New Jersey residents are protected against discrimination.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:5-3, 10:5-5, 10:5-6, 10:5-8, 10:5-12