A 4561 New Jersey General Assembly · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Includes Sikhs as protected class in bias intimidation law; appropriates $100,000.

This bill amends New Jersey's bias intimidation law to specifically include Sikhism as a protected class, making it illegal to commit hate crimes against Sikhs based on their religious identity. It appropriates $100,000 annually for three years to fund Sikh awareness educational initiatives, including law enforcement training on Sikh identity features like turbans and religious symbols to prevent misclassification of hate incidents. The bill requires the Office of Attorney General to develop public awareness campaigns and educational programs about Sikhism for public schools, and mandates that all public entities incorporate anti-Sikh hate into their bias intimidation policies and diversity programs. These changes directly affect Sikhs in New Jersey (who are the second-most targeted religious group for hate crimes) and all public institutions across the state.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jun 13, 2024 Last action Jun 13, 2024
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Jun 13, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
lower
3 primary · 40 co-sponsors

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