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AJR 136

Designates December of 3rd of each year as "International Day of Persons with Disabilities."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy and 2 co-sponsors

Designates December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in New Jersey and urges the Governor to issue an annual proclamation to promote inclusion and awareness.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 136

Summary: AJR 136 (New Jersey) – Designates December 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Overview

AJR 136 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Assembly on February 12, 2024. It designates December 3 of each year as the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” in New Jersey and requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation. The resolution emphasizes disability inclusion as essential to human rights and development, and urges observance of the day with appropriate activities and programs. It is currently introduced and referred to the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee.

Purpose and Intent

  • Elevate awareness of the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities within New Jersey.
  • Align state observance with international norms promoted by the United Nations (UN) related to the International Day of Disabled Persons (established by UN General Assembly Resolution 47/3 in 1992).
  • Highlight the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities and the importance of disability inclusion in health care, education, employment, and civic participation.
  • Encourage public understanding of inequalities faced by people with disabilities and mobilize support for their rights and well-being.

Key Provisions

  • Designation: December 3 each year shall be designated in New Jersey as the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities.”
  • Governor’s Proclamation: The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and New Jersey citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
  • Effective Date: The joint resolution states that it takes effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Nature: Classified as a joint resolution (non-fiscal, ceremonial designation) and focuses on observance and public awareness.

Who Is Affected

  • Statewide audience: New Jersey residents, public officials, and state agencies.
  • The designation functions as a symbolic and educational emphasis aimed at promoting inclusion and awareness rather than creating new statutory programs or expenditures.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 12, 2024.
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee.
  • Next steps: As a joint resolution, passage would require approval by both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly and signature by the Governor (if applicable); once enacted, it would begin annual observance starting December 3 of the year of enactment and in subsequent years.

Context and Rationale (From the Version Text)

  • Draws on UN observances and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
  • Notes historical disparities in health care, education, employment, and community participation for people with disabilities, including heightened impact during crises such as COVID-19.
  • Argues that promoting awareness and inclusion in New Jersey supports dignity, rights, and well-being for persons with disabilities and aligns with broader development goals.

Practical Considerations

  • No specific fiscal provisions or programs are described; the measure focuses on designation and exhortation for observance.
  • Public engagement could include proclamations, events, and awareness campaigns at the state and local levels.

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

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