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NJ A3558

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/5/2024

Primary Sponsor

Gary Schaer

Click for details

Origin

General Assembly

2024-2025 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes a state definition of antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews" including rhetorical and physical manifestations directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, community institutions, and religious facilities

  • Lists 11 contemporary examples of antisemitism, including calling for violence against Jews, perpetuating conspiracy theories about Jewish control, Holocaust denial, accusing Jews of dual loyalty, denying Israel's right to exist, applying double standards to Israel, and holding all Jews collectively responsible for Israeli government actions

  • Requires law enforcement to consider the definition when investigating potential violations of state or federal anti-bias statutes to determine whether acts were motivated by antisemitic intent

  • Mandates use of the definition for training public officials, law enforcement, and educators; guiding responses to antisemitic incidents; and developing public awareness campaigns

  • Explicitly protects First Amendment rights and speech critical of Israel or its policies, clarifying that political expression, academic inquiry, or other speech is not antisemitic unless it includes specific language or actions defined in the bill

Legislative Description

Establishes State definition of antisemitism.

2nd Reading in the Assembly

Last Action

Reported from Assembly Comm. as a Substitute, 2nd Reading

7/24/2025

Committee Referrals

Public Safety and Preparedness Committee2/5/2024

Full Bill Text

No bill text available