This bill amends New Jersey's "Law Against Discrimination" (LAD) to enhance 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, which encompasses various forms of income such as public assistance and rental assistance vouchers. The bill also 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. Additionally, it raises the threshold for lawful retirement practices from $27,000 to $44,000, allowing employers to require retirement if an employee is entitled to an immediate retirement benefit of at least this amount.

Moreover, the bill strengthens the Division on Civil Rights' authority to combat discrimination based on a broader range of characteristics, including race, gender identity, and source of lawful income. It clarifies that discrimination based on lawful income applies specifically to income intended for rental or mortgage payments and prohibits discriminatory practices in advertising and application processes for real estate transactions. The bill also emphasizes that individuals should not be denied housing based on familial status, particularly regarding children under 18 years of age, while allowing for exceptions for housing designated for older persons. Overall, the amendments aim to create a more inclusive and equitable environment in housing and employment sectors, ensuring equal access to accommodations and financial services for all residents.

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