Clarifies protections and remedies under New Jersey Civil Rights Act; establishes aggravating factors for punitive damages.

This bill amends the New Jersey Civil Rights Act to clarify the scope of protections and remedies it provides. It establishes certain aggravating factors to be considered when determining an award of punitive damages, such as whether the person wore a facial covering, was a law enforcement officer who failed to identify themselves, or used crowd control equipment. The bill also ensures that qualified immunity and other judicially established or State statutory immunities do not apply to claims brought under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act. The changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2025.

Clarifies protections and remedies under New Jersey Civil Rights Act; establishes aggravating factors for punitive damages.

This bill amends the New Jersey Civil Rights Act to clarify the scope of protections and remedies it provides. It establishes certain aggravating factors to be considered when determining an award of punitive damages, such as whether the person wore a facial covering, was a law enforcement officer who failed to identify themselves, or used crowd control equipment. The bill also ensures that qualified immunity and other judicially established or State statutory immunities do not apply to claims brought under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act. The changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2025.