Bills affecting LGBTQ+ / Queer in New Jersey — 2026 session

Requires DOC to assign transgender inmate to State correctional facility based on inmate's gender identity and use inmate's preferred gender pronoun.

Prohibits juror disqualification based on gender identity or sexual orientation; codifies procedures when discriminatory use of peremptory challenges is alleged.

Prohibits board of education from providing instruction in family life education, sex education, sexual health, sexual orientation, or gender identity to students in preschool through grade four.

Prohibits unfair discrimination in issuing or rating life insurance policies based on transgender status or certain gender identity information.

Clarifies staff training requirements at long-term care facilities regarding care of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, and intersex seniors and seniors living with HIV.

Requires State blanks, forms, documents, and applications to incorporate new standards for collection of information about sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Removes exclusion of affectional or sexual orientation and gender identity or expression from affirmative action programs under public works contracts.

"Reasonable Pediatric Questions Act"; eliminates requirement for clinical laboratories to ask certain children questions about gender identity and sexual orientation.

Requires modernization of all State blanks, forms, documents, and applications to incorporate new standards for collection of information about sex, gender, and sexual orientation.

Creates certain assistance and set-aside programs for businesses owned by lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender persons, by persons with a disability, and by veterans.

Updates definition of veteran to include discharged LGBTQ veteran; requires DVA develop review process for such veterans.

Mandates biennial LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for certain educators, healthcare professionals, and State employees.