New Jersey Assembly Bill A5251

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

Caption

Makes supplemental appropriation of $3,000,000 to Division on Civil Rights.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5251 introduces a supplemental appropriation of $3 million to the Division on Civil Rights in New Jersey. This funding is designated for the New Jersey Bias Investigation Access System (NJ BIAS), which is essential for tracking bias crimes across state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies. The bill aims to strengthen the resources available for civil rights enforcement and enhance collaboration among law enforcement institutions in the state. The primary focus of this funding is to facilitate updates and improvements to the NJ BIAS system, ensuring that it efficiently supports the reporting and tracking of bias incidents. This proposition comes in light of a growing recognition of the importance of accurately monitoring bias crimes, which can significantly impact community safety and cohesion. By advancing the technology and systems in place, the bill supports the state’s commitment to equality and justice for all citizens. This bill plays a critical role in amplifying the functions of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR), which is responsible for enforcing laws against discrimination in various sectors, including employment and housing. The DCR's mission is fundamentally about protecting individuals from discrimination and promoting civil rights across New Jersey, and the funding under A5251 directly contributes to this important goal. Overall, although the bill is relatively straightforward in terms of financial appropriation, it underscores a significant legislative priority: ensuring that civil rights are upheld and that bias-based crimes are diligently tracked. The clear intent is to allow for better response mechanisms and to foster an environment where all New Jersey residents feel safe and protected from discrimination.