Provides that denial of services by domestic violence shelters based on a person's disability or perceived disability is unlawful discrimination.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Lagana and 2 co-sponsors

The bill bans shelters from denying admission based on disability or perceived disability and enforces LAD protections with penalties for violations.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee

Purpose and intent

The bill makes it unlawful discrimination for domestic violence shelters operating under the Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence Act to deny admission to an individual based on that person’s disability or perceived disability.

It adds enforcement and remedies by aligning such discrimination with existing protections under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD).

Key provisions

Prohibited conduct: A shelter under the Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence Act may not deny admission to someone seeking shelter services due to the person’s disability or perceived disability.

Enforcement: Complaints alleging such discrimination submitted to the Attorney General must be investigated and prosecuted under the Law Against Discrimination.

Remedies and penalties: The bill incorporates LAD remedies, including potential penalties determined by the Director of the Division of Civil Rights. Maximum penalties, based on prior violations within specific look-back periods, are:

Up to $10,000 if the respondent has no prior violations in the prior five years.
Up to $25,000 if the respondent has one prior violation in the prior five years.
Up to $50,000 if the respondent has two or more violations in the prior seven years.

Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

Domestic violence shelters operating under the Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 30:14-1 et seq.).

Individuals seeking shelter services who have a disability or are perceived to have a disability (including considerations of accessibility and inclusivity).

The Attorney General and the Division of Civil Rights, which would handle investigations, complaints, and enforcement under the LAD.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Complaint handling: Any complaint alleging unlawful discrimination based on disability or perceived disability would be investigated and prosecuted under the Law Against Discrimination.

Penalty determination: Penalties are structured by prior violation history within specified five- and seven-year look-back windows, administered by the Director of the Division of Civil Rights.

Immediate effectiveness: The act becomes law and is enforceable as of enactment (no delayed effective date).

Additional observations

The bill explicitly aligns shelter discrimination with broader civil rights protections, potentially expanding accountability for shelters that may otherwise deny access on disability-related grounds.

It reinforces the accessibility and non-discrimination framework within services for domestic violence victims, ensuring equal access to shelter resources.