N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-7
Composition of division; commission; membership; appointment; term; vacancies; compensation
Operative Text
The said division shall consist of the Attorney General and the commission. The commission shall consist of 7 members; each member shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of 5 years and until his successor is appointed and qualified, except that of those first appointed, one shall be appointed for a term of 1 year, one for a term of 2 years, one for a term of 3 years and 2 for a term of 4 years. Vacancies caused other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner but for the unexpired term only. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The first chairman of the commission shall be designated by the Governor and thereafter, the chairman shall be elected by the members, annually. L.1945, c. 169, p. 590, s. 7. Amended by L.1949, c. 11, p. 40, s. 4; L.1963, c. 40, s. 3.
N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-7 establishes the structural makeup of New Jersey's Division on Civil Rights, which is composed of the Attorney General and a seven-member commission. Commission members are appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation, serve staggered five-year terms, and receive no salary—only reimbursement for necessary expenses. The first chair is designated by the Governor, while subsequent chairs are elected annually by the commission members themselves.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in New Jersey should understand that the Division on Civil Rights—the body that administers the anti-discrimination law under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-7—is a formally structured governmental entity with gubernatorially appointed commissioners and the Attorney General at its head. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with the division's structure because it is this body that receives, investigates, and adjudicates housing discrimination complaints. Knowing that the commission operates under defined appointment and governance rules can help operators understand the authority and legitimacy of any proceedings initiated by the division.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-7, the Division on Civil Rights is the state agency empowered to address civil rights complaints, including those related to housing. Tenants who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with this division, which is overseen by the Attorney General and a seven-member commission appointed through a formal governmental process. Tenant-rights organizations can help individuals understand how to navigate the division's complaint process and what protections may be available under the broader statute.
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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