summary
Introduced
02/05/2024
02/05/2024
In Committee
07/24/2025
07/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Establishes State definition of antisemitism.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive state definition of antisemitism for New Jersey, drawing from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition. The bill provides context about the increasing prevalence of antisemitic incidents, particularly noting that New Jersey ranked third in the nation for such incidents in 2023. It defines antisemitism as a perception of Jews that may be expressed through hatred, including rhetorical and physical manifestations targeting Jewish individuals, property, and institutions. The bill outlines 11 specific contemporary examples of antisemitism, such as denying the Holocaust, applying double standards to Israel, using classic antisemitic symbols, and making dehumanizing allegations about Jews. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that this definition is intended as an educational and advisory resource to combat antisemitism while explicitly protecting constitutional rights to free speech. The definition is to be used for training public officials, guiding responses to hate crimes, and developing public awareness campaigns. The bill specifically stipulates that it cannot be used to restrict political expression, academic inquiry, or legitimate criticism of Israel, and it must be applied in a manner consistent with existing anti-discrimination laws. Law enforcement is encouraged to consider this definition when investigating potential bias-motivated incidents, but the bill does not create new legal penalties or restrictions.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (59)
Rosaura Bagolie (D)*,
Michael Inganamort (R)*,
Gary Schaer (D)*,
John Allen (D),
Reginald Atkins (D),
Bob Auth (R),
John Azzariti (R),
David Bailey (D),
Brian Bergen (R),
Clinton Calabrese (D),
Linda Carter (D),
Robert Clifton (R),
Alixon Collazos-Gill (D),
Wayne DeAngelo (D),
Chris DePhillips (R),
John DiMaio (R),
Margie Donlon (D),
Mitchelle Drulis (D),
Aura Dunn (R),
Dawn Fantasia (R),
Vicky Flynn (R),
Roy Freiman (D),
Lou Greenwald (D),
Garnet Hall (D),
Dan Hutchison (D),
Melinda Kane (D),
Paul Kanitra (R),
Robert Karabinchak (D),
Sean Kean (R),
Jim Kennedy (D),
Yvonne Lopez (D),
Michele Matsikoudis (R),
Antwan McClellan (R),
Tennille McCoy (D),
Greg McGuckin (R),
Cody Miller (D),
Bill Moen (D),
Nancy Muñoz (R),
Gregory Myhre (R),
Ellen Park (D),
Luanne Peterpaul (D),
Annette Quijano (D),
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D),
Brian Rumpf (R),
William Sampson (D),
Alex Sauickie (R),
Gerry Scharfenberger (R),
Alexander Schnall (D),
Heather Simmons (D),
Erik Simonsen (R),
Bill Spearman (D),
Sterley Stanley (D),
Shavonda Sumter (D),
Lisa Swain (D),
Claire Swift (R),
Mike Torrissi (R),
Chris Tully (D),
Anthony Verrelli (D),
Jay Webber (R),
Last Action
Reported from Assembly Comm. as a Substitute, 2nd Reading (on 07/24/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A3558 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A4000/3558_U1.HTM |
| Analysis - Statement A3558 ACS | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A4000/3558_S1.PDF |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A4000/3558_I1.HTM |
Loading...