The Senate Version, S2522, was introduced on 2/5/24 and is identical to the Assembly version. Prime Sponsors are Senator Shirley Turner (D-15), Senator Teresa Ruiz (D-29). Co-sponsored by Senator Raj Mukherji (D-32).
The bill seeks to penalize Pregnancy Resource Centers because they do not perform or refer for abortion. The bill was written at the urging of Planned Parenthood and is based on the false assertion by pro-abortion groups that pregnancy centers engage in deceptive practices. The bill authorizes the NJ Attorney General to bring a lawsuit against the pregnancy center for violating the Consumer Fraud Act. The bill permits civil penalties to be determined by a court and also gives the Attorney General very broad authority to essentially shut down the pregnancy center "when it shall appear to the Attorney General that a crisis pregnancy center is about to engage in, is continuing to engage in, or has engaged in conduct which is in violation" of the intent of the Act.
Update: The Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee held a hearing on Thursday, March 20. NJRTL and other pro-life advocates testified against the bill. The Democrat members of the Assembly Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee voted to release this bill today with Asw Fantasia (R-24) who substituted for Asm.Eric Simonsen and Asm Al Barlas (R-40) voting No. We wish to give a special thanks to Asw Fantasia for her outstanding personal testimony and strong defense of Pregnancy centers.
The bill will now go on 2nd reading which means it can be scheduled for a vote by the full Assembly at any time. The Senate has not yet scheduled the companion bill (S2522) for a hearing.
Action needed: Email and call your 2 Assembly members and State Senator and urge them to Vote no on A861/S2522 when the bill comes up for a Vote before the full Assembly and Senate.
You can find your three legislators by searching by your municipality Here, or you can send a pre-written email from this Page.