NJ A978

Adds Sikhism as a specifically enumerated protected class under New Jersey's bias intimidation law (N.J.S.2C:16-1), alongside existing categories of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, and ethnicity.

Requires all local, county, and State law enforcement entities to report bias intimidation violations to State and federal agencies responsible for preparing bias crime reports.

Directs the Office of Attorney General, in consultation with the Department of Education, to develop law enforcement training on Sikhism (including visible identity features like turbans and beards) and create public awareness campaigns, with annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature.

Expands the Chief Diversity Officer's duties to ensure anti-Sikh hate definitions are incorporated into bias intimidation policies of public entities and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs statewide.

Appropriates $100,000 annually for three consecutive years from the General Fund to the Office of the Attorney General to fund Sikh awareness educational initiatives and community outreach.