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Bill > A3654
NJ A3654
NJ A3654Amends definition of "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" in "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act."
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill amends the definition of "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" in the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act," P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.). The current definition provides in part that "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" must be reasonably perceived as being motivated by an actual or perceived characteristic and the definition sets forth examples of such characteristics - race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability. This bill helps to clarify that a motivating characteristic under the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act," is not limited to only those characteristics specifically listed in the definition.
AI Summary
This bill amends the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act" to clarify the definition of "harassment, intimidation, or bullying," which refers to actions like gestures, written, verbal, or physical acts, or electronic communications (messages sent via devices like phones or computers) that are perceived as being motivated by certain characteristics. Previously, the law listed specific characteristics such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and disability as examples of motivations. This bill modifies the language to explicitly state that the list of motivating characteristics is not exhaustive, meaning that bullying motivated by other distinguishing characteristics, not specifically listed, will also be covered under the act, thereby broadening its scope to protect more students from harmful behavior.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
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/2026/A3654 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3654_I1.HTM |
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