Bill
AJR 236
Designates August as Civility Month in New Jersey to raise awareness of incivility and promote civil discourse; requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation.
AJR 236 — Civility Month in New Jersey (Summary)
Overview
- Type: Joint Resolution
- Bill Number: AJR 236
- Title: Designates August of each year as "Civility Month" in New Jersey
- Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
- Introduced: November 24, 2025
- Subject: Commemoration/Civility
- Effective date: Takes effect immediately upon enactment
What the bill would do
- Designation: Establish August of each year as "Civility Month" in New Jersey.
- Purpose: To raise awareness about the harms of incivility and to promote civil discourse and behavior throughout the state.
- Governor’s role: The bill respectfully requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation urging public officials, New Jersey residents, and other interested groups to observe Civility Month with appropriate activities and programs.
Key provisions
- Section 1: Official designation of August as Civility Month to highlight the problems caused by incivility and to promote civil discourse and respectful behavior across the state.
- Section 2: The Governor is requested to issue an annual proclamation calling upon various stakeholders to engage in Civility Month observances.
- Section 3: The resolution takes effect immediately.
Context and rationale (as stated in the bill)
- The bill notes a perception that American political and social discourse has become discourteous and lacks interest in finding common ground.
- Civility is defined as courtesy or politeness that allows disagreement without disrespect, which the bill argues would improve social relations and governance.
- Cites studies indicating a widespread concern about incivility, with attributions to social media, the internet, and politicians as contributing factors.
- Highlights that a large majority of Americans report experiencing incivility and believe it leads to harms such as cyberbullying, harassment, intimidation, discrimination, isolation, and reduced community engagement.
- Argues that civility benefits society by reducing tension and enabling problem-solving via common ground.
Who is affected
- Public officials, state residents, and organizations within New Jersey.
- Groups and communities that might organize or participate in Civility Month activities and programs.
Procedural notes
- This is a symbolic, non-budgetary resolution that designates a recurring observance and invites executive action (proclamation) to support it.
- No specific funding or mandatory programs are mandated in the text; implementation relies on observances and proclamations.
Potential impact
- Encourages awareness and discussion about civility in public life.
- Provides a framework for local events, educational initiatives, and public dialogues during August each year.
- Non-binding in nature but could influence public messaging and community programs related to respectful discourse.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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