TRENTON, N.J.—Legislation to toughen the New Jersey’s hate crime and bullying laws advanced Jan. 3.

It would amend an existing bias intimidation law by adding “gender identity” and “national origin” to the list of classes of people protected under the statute.

New Jersey’s current hate crime law provides protection for individuals based on “race, color, religion, gender, handicap, ethnicity and sexual orientation.”

The bill also mandates two hours of anti-bias training for police officers. And it takes a swipe at bullying. It would require school districts to amend their bullying policies, post the information on their websites and notify parents of its availability.

The measure would establish a commission to oversee the effectiveness of school anti-bullying programs and promote training about bullying for school administrators. The commission would collect data on bullying incidents.

“Hate crimes epitomize ignorance,” agreed bill co-sponsor Sen. Barbara Buono (D). “They are frightening examples of how acting on stereotypes can prove to be deadly.”

The legislation was approved unanimously in the full senate.