This bill amends New Jersey's "Law Against Discrimination" to enhance protections against housing discrimination by explicitly including "source of lawful income used for rental or mortgage payments" as a protected category. It recognizes that discrimination based on lawful income sources, alongside other factors such as race, creed, and disability, poses a significant threat to individuals' rights. The legislation aims to provide legal remedies, including compensatory and punitive damages, for those affected by such discrimination. Additionally, the bill updates definitions related to housing accommodations and reaffirms the state's commitment to combating discrimination in housing and employment practices.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions that prohibit discrimination based on lawful income sources, ensuring individuals cannot be denied housing or financial services due to their income. It mandates that notices regarding rights under the law must be posted and prohibits misleading representations about neighborhood demographics that could lead to discrimination. The bill also emphasizes the need for reasonable accommodations for employees affected by pregnancy or breastfeeding and establishes guidelines to prevent wage disparities based on protected characteristics. Overall, the amendments aim to create a more inclusive environment in housing and employment, promoting equality and fairness for all New Jersey residents.

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