New Jersey Senate Bill 3800 amends the state’s Law Against Discrimination to expand protections related to military service and veteran status, clarify the scope of prohibited conduct under the statute, and update statutory terminology. The legislation adds service in the Armed Forces of the United States as a protected classification, makes certain employment practices involving military leave unlawful, and confirms that the law applies only to unlawful discrimination. The amendments are effective immediately as of January 20, 2026.
The updated statute prohibits unlawful discrimination based on military service, a term defined to include both individuals currently serving in the Armed Forces and those who have been discharged or released.
Senate Bill 3800 also addresses reemployment following military leave by specifying that denying reemployment to individuals returning from qualifying military service constitutes an unlawful employment practice. Employers are required to provide reemployment in a manner consistent with applicable federal standards governing military leave and job restoration.
The amendments apply broadly to employers, labor organizations, employment agencies, and places of public accommodation subject to New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination. Enforcement authority remains with the Division on Civil Rights and the Attorney General, who are responsible for investigating complaints and pursuing appropriate enforcement actions.