The bill amends the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination to enhance protections for immigrants and non-U.S. citizens by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on various characteristics, including immigration status, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or nationality. It clarifies that discrimination against individuals based on these characteristics, as well as their family members and associates, is a concern for the state government. The bill also modifies the definition of unlawful discrimination to include these characteristics and affirms the civil rights of individuals to obtain employment and access public accommodations without facing discrimination. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that allow individuals to seek back pay for continuous violations of discrimination in compensation for up to six years and prohibits employers from requiring employees to consent to shortened statutes of limitations. It establishes specific unlawful practices for employers and public accommodations, including restrictions on inquiries regarding immigration status in housing contexts. The bill also includes protections for employees affected by pregnancy or breastfeeding, requiring reasonable accommodations and preventing retaliation for discussing compensation and employment conditions. Overall, the bill aims to create a more equitable environment in housing and employment sectors by expanding the definitions and protections against discrimination.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:5-3, 10:5-4, 10:5-5, 10:5-6, 10:5-8, 10:5-9.1, 10:5-10, 10:5-12