NJ S2223

New Jersey higher education institutions must adopt an "affirmative consent" standard—defined as affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to sexual activity—to receive State student assistance funds.

Disciplinary proceedings must use a preponderance of evidence standard, and an accused person's intoxication or failure to take reasonable steps to confirm consent cannot serve as valid defenses.

Institutions must establish victim-centered policies covering privacy protections, initial response protocols, trauma-informed training for officials, and confidential reporting procedures for sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Complainants and witnesses in investigations receive immunity from disciplinary action for student conduct violations occurring at or near the time of the incident, unless the violation is egregious.

Colleges must partner with on-campus and community organizations (including rape crisis centers) for student support services and implement comprehensive prevention and outreach programs, including mandatory orientation programming for incoming students.