Hate-Crime
Amendment Moves to N.J. Senate, Assembly

Legislation to toughen New Jersey's hate-crime and bullying laws advanced in the state assembly on Thursday, the Southern Voice reports.

The legislation -- which would mandate two hours of anti-bias training for police -- would add gender identity and national origin to the list of classes already protected against bias-based crimes. Currently, the state's hate-crime law provides protection based on race, color, religion, gender, handicap, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, according to the article.

After the full senate approved the bill, the assembly judiciary committee advanced the bill to the full assembly for consideration on Monday, the last day of the session. Approval in the committee was followed by 45 minutes of debate prompted by conservatives who oppose the legislation, according to the Voice.

The legislation also proposed requiring school districts to amend their bullying policies and to make that information available to parents on request. The state would also establish a commission to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-bullying programs in schools and train administrators on those issues. (The Advocate)