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Bill > A4219
NJ A4219
NJ A4219Provides that denial of services by domestic violence shelters based on a person's disability or perceived disability is unlawful discrimination.
summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill incorporates in statute that it shall be an unlawful discrimination for a shelter that operates under the "Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence Act," P.L.1979, c.337 (C.30:14-1 et seq.) to deny admission to a person seeking the shelter's services based on that person's disability or perceived disability. This bill supplements the "Law Against Discrimination," P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.) and provides that if the Attorney General receives a complaint alleging this type of unlawful discrimination, a complaint shall be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the "Law Against Discrimination." Remedies available under the "Law Against Discrimination" include, in addition to any other relief or affirmative action provided by law, liability for penalties as set forth in section 2 of P.L.1983, c.412 (C.10:5-14.1a). The penalties shall be determined by the Director of the Division of Civil Rights. Maximum penalties set forth in the statute provide for: (1) an amount not exceeding $10,000 if the respondent has not committed any prior violation within the five-year period preceding the new charge; (2) an amount not exceeding $25,000 if the respondent has been adjudged to have committed one other violation within the five-year period; and (3) an amount not exceeding $50,000 if the respondent has committed two or more violations within the seven-year period preceding the new charge.
AI Summary
This bill makes it illegal for shelters that provide services to victims of domestic violence, as established by the "Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence Act," to refuse admission to someone because they have a disability or are perceived to have one. This new provision is added to the existing "Law Against Discrimination," which is the state's primary law prohibiting unfair treatment. If the Attorney General, who is the state's chief legal officer, receives a complaint about this type of discrimination, it will be investigated and handled according to the procedures already in place for the "Law Against Discrimination." This means that if discrimination is found, the shelter could face penalties, similar to other violations of the "Law Against Discrimination," with the amount of the penalty increasing for repeat offenses within a certain timeframe, ranging from $10,000 for a first offense to $50,000 for multiple offenses.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 02/19/2026)
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/A4219 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4500/4219_I1.HTM |
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