NJ S282

Establishes the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey" to protect voting rights for members of protected classes including racial, color, and language-minority groups.

Prohibits state agencies, local election offices, and political subdivisions from enacting voting qualifications, practices, or procedures that result in voter suppression or vote dilution affecting protected class members.

Designates the Attorney General as the chief legal officer for enforcing voting rights, with authority to investigate violations, issue subpoenas, conduct research, promulgate regulations, and litigate cases.

Creates a preclearance process requiring covered entities to obtain prior approval from the Attorney General or state court before implementing certain changes to voting policies.

Requires political subdivisions to hold multiple public hearings with community outreach before adopting redistricting plans, and establishes a 50-day notice period before plaintiffs can file judicial actions alleging violations.