NJ S2219

New Jersey higher education institutions must adopt an affirmative consent standard—defined as affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to sexual activity—to qualify for state student assistance funds

Institutions must use a preponderance of evidence standard in disciplinary proceedings and cannot accept intoxication or failure to take reasonable steps to ascertain consent as valid defenses

Governing boards must establish detailed victim-centered policies covering confidentiality, initial response protocols, witness identification, trauma-informed training for officials, and coordination with law enforcement

Colleges must enter into memoranda of understanding with on-campus and community organizations (including rape crisis centers) to provide counseling, health services, victim advocacy, legal assistance, and resources for both victims and accused

Institutions must implement comprehensive prevention and outreach programs, including mandatory orientation programming for incoming students on sexual assault policies and the affirmative consent standard