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NJ S4803

NJ S4803
Concerns AG guidelines on bias incident investigation standards.


summary

Introduced
11/06/2025
In Committee
12/04/2025
Crossed Over
01/12/2026
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill concerns the Attorney General guidelines on bias incident investigation standards. Under the bill, the Attorney General is to maintain and periodically review the guidelines on bias incident investigation standards and revise the guidelines as needed. The bill requires the guidelines to, at a minimum: 1) require county and municipal law enforcement agencies to report all confirmed or suspected bias incidents through the Electronic Uniform Crime Reporting system as soon as practicable, but not more than 24 hours after the initial law enforcement response; 2) require county and municipal law enforcement agencies to immediately notify the Attorney General and the county prosecutor when the suspected or confirmed bias incident involves certain circumstances, as determined by the Attorney General; 3) require county prosecutors to promptly notify the Attorney General when they intend to file an accusation or seek an indictment alleging bias intimidation; 4) set forth procedures for initial and follow-up investigations of a reported bias incident, including the responsibilities of an investigator or a supervisor upon the arrival at the scene; 5) establish criteria for law enforcement officers to apply in confirming a bias incident; 6) establish requirements for providing instant notification, through means that the Attorney General deems appropriate, to the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the Division of State Police, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the bias crime officers of each county prosecutor's office; 7) ensure that a victim of a bias incident receives appropriate information and referral to the Division on Civil Rights when the incident involves a suspected or confirmed violation of the "Law Against Discrimination"; and 8) include provisions for training and continuing education for law enforcement officers on detecting and reporting bias incidents and investigating and prosecuting bias crimes. Finally, the bill requires the Attorney General to ensure that the chief or director of every county and municipal law enforcement agency, every municipal and county prosecutor, and the Superintendent of State Police are provided with prompt notice of any revisions to the guidelines on bias incident investigation standards.Concerns AG guidelines on bias incident investigation standards.

AI Summary

This bill requires the Attorney General to establish and periodically update comprehensive guidelines for investigating and reporting bias incidents in New Jersey. The guidelines mandate that law enforcement agencies report all confirmed or suspected bias incidents through the Electronic Uniform Crime Reporting system within 24 hours, and immediately notify the Attorney General and county prosecutor in cases involving serious crimes, hate groups, or potential large-scale public unrest. The bill requires county prosecutors to promptly notify the Attorney General about potential bias intimidation charges and establishes detailed procedures for investigating bias incidents, including criteria for confirming such incidents and protocols for notifying relevant state agencies like the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. The guidelines must also ensure victims receive appropriate information, particularly when a potential violation of the Law Against Discrimination occurs, and mandate training for law enforcement officers on detecting, reporting, and investigating bias crimes. Additionally, the Attorney General must promptly inform key law enforcement leadership about any guideline revisions. The bill defines a "bias incident" as a suspected or confirmed violation of specific legal provisions related to bias intimidation and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Substituted by A1921 (ACS) (on 01/12/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4803
Analysis - Statement 12/4/25 SLP Statement https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4803_S1.PDF
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4803_I1.HTM
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