NJ A2389

Creates a new criminal offense for harassing, intimidating, or bullying a minor through gestures, written, verbal, physical acts, or electronic communications targeting the victim's race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity

Adults who commit the offense face a disorderly persons charge with fines up to $100 for a first offense and $250 for subsequent offenses; juveniles face a petty disorderly persons offense with the same fine structure

Establishes a presumption that juvenile offenders will be diverted from court proceedings, with cases sent to restorative and transformative justice programs where available

Requires diverted juveniles to participate in remedial education or counseling programs designed to increase awareness of legal and non-legal consequences of bullying, including effects on relationships and educational/employment opportunities

Takes effect on the first day of the third month following enactment