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Bill > A872


NJ A872

NJ A872
Prohibits discrimination against individuals who have not received COVID-19 vaccine.


summary

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

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits discrimination against individuals who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine. Under the bill, it is to be unlawful to ask any individual if the individual has received a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, to require any individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, or to require any individual to show proof of having received a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of or as a prerequisite to: (1) the exercise of any privilege or right granted under State or federal law; (2) conducting any business or commerce; (3) travelling to, outside, or within the State; (4) obtaining or maintaining an internship, obtaining or maintaining employment, or receiving a promotion from an employer; (5) participation in any governmental or political activity; (6) admission or enrollment into any child or adult day care program; (7) admission in, enrollment in, or graduation from a preschool program, elementary or secondary school, college, university, or any other institution of education; (8) participation in any activity, internship, opportunity, program, or sport offered by a preschool program, elementary or secondary school, college, university, or any other institution of education; (9) receiving adequate dental care or health care; (10) maintaining, receiving, or renewing a professional certification or license; (11) obtaining or renewing membership in any professional organization; (12) entrance into or service from any place of business, including, but not limited to, any market, restaurant, or store; (13) entrance into and service from any public building, office, or structure; (14) entrance into and use of any public park or beach; or (15) admission into or service from any amusement park, concert venue, theater, or sporting event. The bill provides that it is to be unlawful to discriminate against or to take any adverse action against any individual who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine or who does not disclose whether the individual has received a COVID-19 vaccine. An individual who violates the provisions of this bill is to, in addition to any other relief authorized by law, be liable for civil damages to the victim in the amount of $25,000 in an action brought in the Superior Court in the county where the offense occurred. In addition to an award of civil damages, the court is to order the defendant to pay such attorney's fees or expenses, or both, that are actually and reasonably incurred by the victim who is the successful party in the action.

AI Summary

This bill makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine, meaning that no one can be asked about their vaccination status, forced to get vaccinated, or required to show proof of vaccination to access a wide range of activities and services. These prohibited actions apply to exercising rights, conducting business, traveling, obtaining employment or internships, participating in government or political activities, enrolling in or attending educational institutions from preschool through university, receiving healthcare or dental care, maintaining professional licenses or certifications, joining professional organizations, entering or being served by businesses like stores and restaurants, accessing public buildings, parks, and beaches, and attending events like concerts or sporting events. Furthermore, the bill prohibits taking any negative action against someone for not being vaccinated or for not disclosing their vaccination status. Violators face civil damages of $25,000, plus reasonable attorney fees and expenses for the victim, in a lawsuit filed in the county where the violation occurred.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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