TRENTON, N.J. – The New Jersey Senate Labor Committee has approved a first-of-its-kind proposal that would make it illegal for employers, landlords, schools, and public facilities to discriminate against individuals because of their height or weight. The measure, Senate Bill 1631, adds the two physical characteristics to the list of protected categories under the state’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD).
The legislation, reported favorably by the committee on February 5, seeks to close what lawmakers describe as a long-overlooked gap in civil rights protections. Studies cited by the committee found that people face measurable bias and disadvantage in employment, education, and housing based on their body size or stature—bias that is currently legal in most states, including New Jersey.
“This bill recognizes that height and weight discrimination can cause real harm, both economically and emotionally,” lawmakers said in their committee statement. “No one should be denied opportunities or treated unfairly because of their body type.”
Modeled after Michigan’s landmark civil rights law
If enacted, New Jersey would join Michigan, which since 1976 has prohibited discrimination on the basis of height or weight in employment, education, housing, and public accommodations. Senate Bill 1631 mirrors that framework, prohibiting unequal treatment in all areas already covered by the LAD, including hiring, promotions, housing applications, and access to public services.
The bill includes limited exceptions for bona fide occupational qualifications—situations where specific physical attributes are necessary for job performance—and safety reasons in public accommodations. These exceptions would be narrowly applied and subject to review under state law.
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Expanding state protections under LAD
The measure formally amends the LAD’s legislative findings section to include height and weight alongside existing protected characteristics such as race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and nationality. Lawmakers emphasized that the LAD should be “liberally construed” to ensure full protection for residents who experience size-based bias.
Under the LAD, individuals subjected to discrimination can file complaints with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights or pursue legal remedies, including compensatory and punitive damages.
A growing national movement
The proposal comes amid a national push for size-inclusive anti-discrimination laws. In recent years, cities including New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco have passed similar ordinances protecting workers and tenants from height or weight bias.
Senate Bill 1631 was prefiled for the 2026–2027 legislative session and underwent technical review before the committee’s approval. The measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
If signed into law, New Jersey would become only the second state in the nation to explicitly ban height and weight discrimination statewide.
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