New Jersey Assembly Bill AR35

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

Supports the federal Emmett Till Antilynching Act.

Impact

By endorsing the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, the New Jersey General Assembly aims to further recognize and remediate past injustices linked to lynching and racial violence. The resolution encourages ongoing legislative efforts on a federal level to combat various forms of racial violence, signaling that issues of civil rights remain a priority. This support from New Jersey positions the state as an advocate for change, indicating a broader intention to address these historical grievances through political engagement and legislative action.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 35, introduced by Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer, expresses the New Jersey General Assembly's unequivocal support for the federal Emmett Till Antilynching Act. This resolution highlights the historical context of lynching in America and emphasizes the acknowledgment of lynching as a hate crime under federal law. The act is named after Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy who was lynched in 1955, and its enactment marks a significant legislative milestone after over 200 failed attempts to pass similar laws in Congress historically. This bill reflects a commitment to addressing racial injustices in civil society.

Contention

While the resolution itself is largely supportive of the federal act, it implicitly recognizes the ongoing struggles against various forms of racial violence that require legislative attention. The context of lynching as both a historical and present-day issue provokes discussions about the adequacy of current laws and the need for continuous legislative efforts to address systemic racism. The general Assembly calls for more action, suggesting that while the passing of the Emmett Till act is significant, the fight against racial injustices continues and other legislative measures must be employed to address these persistent issues.