N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-31
Definitions
Operative Text
1. As used in this act: a. "Public works contract" means any contract to be performed for or on behalf of the State or any county or municipality or other political subdivision of the State, or any agency or authority created by any of the foregoing, for the construction, alteration or repair of any building or public work or for the acquisition of materials, equipment, supplies or services with respect to which discrimination in the hiring of persons for the performance of work thereunder or under any subcontract thereunder by reason of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, nationality, gender identity or expression, disability or sex is prohibited under R.S.10:2-1. b. "Equal employment opportunity" means equality in opportunity for employment by any contractor, subcontractor or business firm engaged in the carrying out of a public works project including its development, design, acquisition, construction, management and operation. L.1975,c.127,s.1; amended 1991, c.519, s.11; 2003, c.180, s.24; 2006, c.100, s.12.
Section 10:5-31 of New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.) establishes two foundational definitions that govern anti-discrimination requirements in public contracting. A 'public works contract' covers agreements made on behalf of the State, counties, municipalities, or their agencies for construction, repair, or acquisition of goods and services—where discrimination in hiring based on characteristics such as race, sex, disability, or gender identity is prohibited. 'Equal employment opportunity' is defined broadly to mean genuine equality in hiring access for any contractor or subcontractor involved in any phase of a public works project, from design through operation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although Section 10:5-31 is primarily directed at contractors and subcontractors on public works projects rather than residential landlords, property owners who perform or contract out construction, renovation, or repair work under a public works agreement should understand that these definitions set the legal baseline for non-discrimination in hiring. Compliant operators engaged in such projects generally ensure that their hiring practices—and those of any subcontractors they engage—do not discriminate on the basis of the characteristics enumerated in R.S.10:2-1. Maintaining documented equal employment opportunity policies aligned with N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 is a standard practice for those operating in this space.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants, Section 10:5-31 is most relevant when publicly funded construction or rehabilitation work is being performed on or near their housing—since the definitions here establish who must comply with equal employment opportunity requirements on such projects. Tenants who believe that a contractor or subcontractor working on a public works project is engaging in discriminatory hiring practices may find it useful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination. Complaints related to violations of the anti-discrimination principles underlying N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 can generally be directed to the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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