NJ A2509

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

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

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

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

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