Bill > S2618

This bill amends existing New Jersey law to ensure that affirmative action programs for public works contracts, which are projects funded by the government like roads or buildings, include protections against discrimination based on affectional or sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Previously, these protections were excluded from affirmative action requirements, meaning contractors were not explicitly required to take proactive steps to ensure equal opportunity for individuals based on these characteristics in their hiring and employment practices for public projects. The bill mandates that contract specifications and advertisements for public works projects must include language stating that contractors will not discriminate and will take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, among other protected characteristics. It also requires bidders to submit affirmative action programs that guarantee equal employment opportunity for all, removing the previous exception that limited these protections to only equal employment opportunity, not affirmative action, for individuals based on their affectional or sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2618