New Jersey Senate Bill S1602

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 1/25/24
• Engrossed: 2/12/24
• Refer: 2/12/24

Caption

Prohibits discrimination on basis of height or weight under "Law Against Discrimination."

Impact

If enacted, S1602 would amend existing statutes to include height and weight as protected attributes, thereby expanding the scope of anti-discrimination laws in New Jersey. This legislative change is designed to create a more inclusive environment for all residents, allowing individuals to seek remedies against discriminatory practices. The bill stipulates that damages for those wronged by height or weight discrimination should be accessible under the law, paralleling the existing remedies available for other forms of discrimination.

Summary

Senate Bill S1602, introduced in New Jersey, aims to prohibit discrimination based on height or weight under the state's Law Against Discrimination (LAD). The bill is positioned similarly to Michigan's civil rights law, which already includes such protections. One of the core objectives of S1602 is to address documented issues of discrimination that individuals face due to their physical attributes, which are currently permissible under existing state law. The bill underscores the belief that discrimination not only devastates the lives of affected individuals but also undermines the democratic foundations of the state.

Contention

While the proponents of S1602 advocate for fairness and equality, the bill may encounter opposition based on concerns regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that the inclusion of height and weight could introduce complexity into the legal system, especially in workplace settings where certain physical requirements might be deemed essential for specific job functions. The bill's exceptions—allowing for bona fide occupational qualifications and safety reasons—attempt to address these concerns, but debate is likely to arise about how these exceptions would be enforced in practice.