N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-10
Commission's powers and duties; local commissions
Operative Text
9. The commission shall: a. Consult with and advise the Attorney General with respect to the work of the division. b. Survey and study the operations of the division. c. Report to the Governor and the Legislature with respect to such matters relating to the work of the division and at such times as it may deem in the public interest. The mayors or chief executive officers of the municipalities in the State may appoint local commissions on civil rights to aid in effectuating the purposes of this act. Such local commissions shall be composed of representative citizens serving without compensation. Such commissions shall attempt to foster through community effort or otherwise, good will, cooperation and conciliation among the groups and elements of the inhabitants of the community, and they may be empowered by the local governing bodies to make recommendations to them for the development of policies and procedures in general and for programs of formal and informal education that will aid in eliminating all types of discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, disability, nationality or sex. L.1945,c.169,s.9; amended 1949, c.11, s.6; 1962, c.37, ss.6,9; 1963, c.40, s.5; 1970, c.80, s.13; 1991, c.519, s.7; 1992, c.146, s.8; 2003, c.180, s.11; 2006, c.100, s.8.
Under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-10, New Jersey's Civil Rights Commission is charged with advising the Attorney General, studying the Division on Civil Rights, and reporting to the Governor and Legislature on civil rights matters. The provision also authorizes municipal mayors or chief executives to establish local civil rights commissions composed of volunteer citizens. These local bodies work to promote goodwill and cooperation within communities and may recommend policies and educational programs aimed at eliminating discrimination based on characteristics such as race, creed, national origin, disability, gender identity, and other protected categories.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in New Jersey should be aware that N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-10 establishes both a state-level Civil Rights Commission and the framework for local civil rights commissions that can shape anti-discrimination policies in their municipalities. Compliant operators generally stay informed about any local commission recommendations that may influence fair housing practices or community standards in the areas where their properties are located. Awareness of these bodies and their guidance can help operators align their practices with evolving local and state civil rights expectations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-10 establishes structures—at both the state and local levels—designed to advance civil rights protections and reduce discrimination in New Jersey communities. Tenants who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may find it useful to learn whether their municipality has a local civil rights commission, as these bodies can serve as a community-level resource for addressing concerns. Tenants also have the option of contacting the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights directly, consulting a tenant-rights organization, or exploring other enforcement paths available under the broader New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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