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Bill

Bill

AJR 136

Designates February 4th of each year as "Women and Girls in Sports Day" in New Jersey.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy

Designates February 4 each year as Women and Girls in Sports Day in New Jersey to raise awareness and encourage participation and equality in athletics.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 136

Summary: AJR 136 (Session 222) – Designates February 4 as “Women and Girls in Sports Day” in New Jersey

Purpose

AJR 136 is a joint resolution that designates February 4th of each year as “Women and Girls in Sports Day” in the State of New Jersey. The resolution seeks to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women and girls to sports, raise awareness of gender disparities in athletics, and encourage continued participation and gender equality in sports.

Key Provisions

  1. Designation of a recurring observance

    • February 4th of every year is officially designated in New Jersey as “Women and Girls in Sports Day.”

  2. Governor’s proclamation

    • The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing February 4th as “Women and Girls in Sports Day.”
    • The proclamation would encourage public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

  3. Effective date

    • The resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Background and Rationale (as stated in the bill)

  • Historically, sports opportunities were largely limited to men; over time, women and girls have increasingly participated in athletics despite societal barriers.
  • Gender disparities persist in sports, including less prize money, sponsorship, facilities, equipment, and opportunities for women and girls.
  • Participation in sports builds life skills (e.g., confidence, resilience, leadership, teamwork) and promotes physical and mental health.
  • Notable New Jersey athletes (e.g., Carli Lloyd, Laurie Hernandez) are highlighted as role models.
  • Feb 4 is nationally recognized as National Girls and Women in Sports Day; the bill aligns New Jersey with this recognition at the state level.

Who is Affected

  • General public in New Jersey: Encourages awareness, activities, and programs that support women’s and girls’ participation in sports.
  • Public officials and state agencies: Encouraged to observe the day with appropriate programming and proclamations.
  • Women and girls in New Jersey: Primary beneficiaries through recognition, visibility, and potential encouragement to participate in sports and physical activity.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 19, 2026
  • Committee: Referred to Assembly Committee on Community Development and Women’s Affairs (as part of the action history).
  • Actions Required: If enacted, annual Governor’s proclamation; annual observance by public officials and citizens.
  • Effective Date: Immediate upon enactment.

Administrative Notes

  • Co-sponsor: Carol Murphy
  • No appropriations or funding provisions are specified in the text of the bill.
  • The measure functions as a symbolic designation intended to promote awareness and advocacy rather than create new programs or mandates.

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

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