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Bill > S1428


NJ S1428

NJ S1428
Requires civil service examination for police and correctional police officers to include questions to identify implicit racial bias.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires the State Civil Service Commission to include on the Civil Service entry-level law enforcement examination questions designed to identify implicit bias, including racial bias, in candidates applying for appointment to law enforcement officer positions. The test is required for applicants for municipal and county police officers, adult and juvenile correctional police officers, sheriff's officers, and other law enforcement officer positions. Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions and may cause feelings and attitudes about other people based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, and appearance.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that the State Civil Service Commission, in collaboration with testing experts, must incorporate questions into the Civil Service Examination for entry-level law enforcement positions that are specifically designed to detect implicit bias, which refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that can influence a person's understanding, actions, and decisions, particularly concerning race. This requirement applies to candidates seeking positions as municipal and county police officers, adult and juvenile correctional police officers, sheriff's officers, and other law enforcement roles, with the aim of identifying potential biases that could affect their interactions and decision-making in their official duties. The bill will become effective on the first day of the fourth month after its enactment, though the Civil Service Commission is permitted to take preparatory administrative steps beforehand.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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