On January 15, 2010, Governor Christie signed into law a bill clarifying the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (“NJLAD”), N.J.S.A. 10:5-1, et seq., as it applies to persons with a developmental disability. This law amends the definition of “disability” in the NJLAD to expressly include “autism spectrum disorders.” N.J.S.A. 10:5-5(q).
In light of the amendment, employers should review their equal opportunity and anti-discrimination policies to ensure those policies comply with the amended law.