New JerseyS3800220th Legislature (2024-2025)SenateWALLET

Enhances protections under Law Against Discrimination for persons serving in military and military veterans.

Sponsored By: Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez (Democratic), Gordon M. Johnson (Democratic), Andrea Katz (Democratic), Luanne M. Peterpaul Esq. (Democratic), Cleopatra G. Tucker (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Housing protections for households using assistance

The law protects lawful sources of money used to pay rent or a mortgage. Housing providers cannot reject vouchers, government or nonprofit rental help, public benefits, court-ordered payments, or lawful currency. Protected benefits include disability and veterans’ benefits. Rental income requirements and other financial standards must use only the tenant’s share of rent, not the full rent.

More military protections with hiring exceptions

New Jersey bans discrimination based on current military service, qualifying past service, or liability for service. Protections cover jobs, unions, housing, lending, public places, and covered business and pay practices. Return-to-work rights after military leave follow federal military reemployment rules. Employers can reject applicants with induction notices or orders to report for active duty. Genuine job qualifications can justify otherwise restricted job ads, statements, or questions. Private-club protection applies to accepted members entitled to full membership. The Division on Civil Rights can receive, investigate, and act on complaints.

Veteran job eligibility includes service limits

Beginning January 20, 2026, veteran status for covered positions generally requires at least 90 days of qualifying active service. Discharge or release must be under conditions other than dishonorable. An actual injury or disability incurred during service removes the 90-day minimum. Specified training, service-academy, National Guard, and reserve service does not count toward those 90 days. Applicants must submit full and convincing service records to the New Jersey Civil Service Commission before or when applying.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Matsikoudis, Michele
Affiliation unavailable
Carol A. Murphy
Democratic • House
Declan J. O'Scanlon Jr.
Republican • Senate
Ramirez, Jessica
Affiliation unavailable
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
Democratic • House
Brian E. Rumpf
Republican • House
Troy Singleton
Democratic • Senate
Shanique Speight
Democratic • House
Shirley K. Turner
Democratic • Senate
Benjie E. Wimberly
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 108 • No: 0

House vote • 1/12/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 71 • No: 0

Senate vote • 12/22/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Approved by Governor — P.L.2025, c.307.
1/20/2026Governor
Passed Assembly, PBH — (71-0-0)
1/12/2026House
Substituted for A5048
1/12/2026House
Reported, 2nd Reading in Assembly
1/5/2026House
Received in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
1/2/2026House
Passed Senate — (37-0)
12/22/2025Senate
Reported, 2nd Reading in Senate
12/16/2024Senate
TRANS Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
12/12/2024Senate
Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
10/21/2024Senate

Bill Text

Version PL2025
6/22/2026
HTML PDF
Version AL2025
6/15/2026
HTML PDF
As Introduced
1/16/2026
HTML PDF
Assembly Judiciary Substitute (1/5/26)
1/6/2026
HTML PDF
Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Substitute (12/16/24)
12/17/2024
HTML PDF

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