New jersey bill seeks to ban discrimination against unvaccinated residents

TRENTON, N.J. – A group of Republican lawmakers has introduced legislation that would make it illegal in New Jersey to ask about, require, or discriminate based on an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination status.

Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R-Monmouth) sponsored the bill alongside Assemblyman Gregory P. McGuckin (R-Ocean) and Assemblywoman Victoria A. Flynn (R-Monmouth). The proposal, co-sponsored by several other GOP legislators, would prohibit employers, schools, government agencies, and businesses from conditioning access to services, employment, or participation on proof of vaccination.

The bill makes it unlawful to require someone to disclose whether they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or to deny them entry, employment, education, or medical care based on vaccination status. It explicitly bans such requirements in workplaces, schools, child care centers, public buildings, parks, beaches, restaurants, entertainment venues, and professional organizations.

Under the proposed law, any individual found violating these provisions could face a civil penalty of $25,000 per incident, along with responsibility for the victim’s legal costs. The bill applies to both public and private entities, and would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Lawmakers behind the proposal said it is intended to protect personal medical privacy and prevent what they describe as discrimination against those who declined the COVID-19 vaccine. The measure would effectively outlaw vaccine mandates and “vaccine passport” requirements in the state, rolling back policies implemented during the height of the pandemic.

Opponents of similar efforts in other states have argued that such laws could undermine public health protections and limit the ability of employers and institutions to maintain safe environments.

The bill is currently awaiting committee assignment in the General Assembly.

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