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CA

Bill

SJR 129

Designates February 12th of each year as "Carly Day" in NJ.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Amato and 1 co-sponsor

Designates February 12 as Carly Day in New Jersey to raise awareness of congenital heart defects and honor Carly Fetzer; governor to issue annual proclamations; symbolic.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · SJR 129

Summary: SJR 129 – Designates February 12 as “Carly Day” in New Jersey

Overview

SJR 129 is an introduced joint resolution in the New Jersey Senate (introduced September 19, 2024; referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee). The bill designates February 12 of each year as “Carly Day” in New Jersey to raise awareness of congenital heart defects (CHDs) and their impact on individuals living with CHDs in the state. The resolution is symbolic and includes a provision for the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing Carly Day.

Purpose and Focus

  • Increase public awareness of congenital heart defects and their effects on individuals in New Jersey.
  • Honor Carly Fetzer, a Bayville resident born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, her family, and the broader CHD community.
  • Align New Jersey with CHD awareness efforts and ongoing medical and advocacy work.

Key Provisions

  1. Designation:
    • February 12th of each year shall be designated as “Carly Day” in New Jersey to raise awareness of congenital heart defects.
  2. Proclamation:
    • The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing February 12th as “Carly Day” in New Jersey.
  3. Effective Date:
    • The joint resolution takes effect immediately.

Background and Context Included in the Bill

  • CHDs are structural heart problems present at birth that affect blood flow; prevalence cited is 9 in 1,000 live births.
  • CHD awareness efforts note that most individuals with CHDs now reach adulthood, with more than 2.4 million adults in the U.S. living with CHD.
  • Carly Fetzer’s story is highlighted to illustrate the human impact and community fundraising efforts (Carly Fetzer Queen of Hearts Foundation), which supports CHD-related initiatives and CHOP-related assistance.
  • New Jersey is noted for previously pioneering newborn pulse oximetry screening in birthing facilities.
  • CHD Awareness Week is observed nationally from February 7 to February 14.

Affected Parties

  • General public and residents of New Jersey, particularly families and individuals affected by congenital heart defects.
  • Statewide agencies and the Governor’s Office, which would issue annual Carly Day proclamations (per the resolution).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the Senate; referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
  • Legislative actions to date: Introduction on September 19, 2024.
  • Related legislation: AJR 191 (companion bill).

Potential Impact

  • Primarily symbolic/awareness-raising, with no new funding or regulatory mandates.
  • Encourages public education, community engagement, and recognition of CHD issues within New Jersey.
  • May complement ongoing CHD advocacy and health awareness initiatives during February (CHD Awareness Week).

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

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