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Bill

AJR 157

Designates 22nd day in October of each year as "Stuttering Awareness Day" and second full week in May of each year as "Stuttering Awareness Week."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill designates October 22 as Stuttering Awareness Day and May's second week as Stuttering Awareness Week to increase public understanding of speech disorders.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 157

Legislative bill overview

AJR 157 designates October 22nd annually as "Stuttering Awareness Day" and the second full week of May as "Stuttering Awareness Week" in New Jersey. The bill creates official recognition for these observances but carries no appropriations or regulatory requirements.

Why is this important

Awareness designations can increase public visibility and understanding of speech disorders affecting approximately 3 million Americans. Formal recognition may encourage educational initiatives, workplace accommodations, and reduced social stigma around stuttering, particularly benefiting school-age children and adults in professional settings.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation debate: Critics may argue that symbolic gestures without funding or enforcement mechanisms do little to address actual barriers facing people who stutter (therapy access, insurance coverage, workplace discrimination)
  • Calendar crowding: New Jersey already recognizes numerous awareness weeks/days, raising questions about the cumulative effect and whether selective designation dilutes impact
  • Date selection specificity: The bill specifies October 22nd without explanation; some may question whether flexibility (any day in October) would be more practical for schools and organizations to plan around

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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