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SJR 30

Designates June 23 of each year as "International Widows' Day."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Reginald Atkins and 10 co-sponsors

Designates June 23 each year as International Widows’ Day to raise public awareness and encourage observance of widows’ needs.

Approved P.L.2025, JR-10.
#commemoratio #humansvcs
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Bill Summary · SJR 30

Summary — SJR 30 (P.L.2025, JR‑10)

Designation: June 23 of each year as “International Widows’ Day.”

Purpose

SJR 30 is a symbolic, commemorative joint resolution designating June 23 annually as “International Widows’ Day” in New Jersey to raise public awareness of the needs and challenges faced by widows in the State and around the world.

Key provisions

  • Designates June 23 of each year as “International Widows’ Day.” (C.36:2‑486)
  • Directs the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling on public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities. (C.36:2‑487)
  • Takes effect immediately upon approval.

The resolution does not amend Social Security or employment laws; rather, it highlights policy areas (e.g., bereavement leave, Social Security rules) where attention and potential reform may be warranted.

Background / Findings cited

  • United Nations estimate: ~260 million widows worldwide, with nearly 1 in 10 living in extreme poverty.
  • U.S. data cited: ~1 million women become widowed each year; about 70% of married women will be widowed in their lifetime. Median age of a widow is reported as 59 (U.S. Census Bureau).
  • The resolution notes common challenges faced by widows, including financial and legal difficulties, mental and physical health issues, and loss of health insurance.

Who is affected

  • Directly symbolic — the designation affects public recognition and awareness efforts.
  • Primary beneficiaries: widows and organizations that serve them (advocacy groups, social‑service providers).
  • Indirectly targeted: state and local officials, employers, health and human services agencies, and the general public (through calls for observance and programming).

Procedural / timeline highlights

  • Introduced and advanced through committee reports in the Senate and Assembly (committee reports dated June 6, 2024 and May 5, 2025).
  • Passed Senate (40–0) June 28, 2024; passed Assembly (76–0–1) May 22, 2025.
  • Adopted/Arrived in House May 30, 2025.
  • Approved as P.L.2025, JR‑10 on June 23, 2025 — effective immediately.

Sponsors and related legislation

  • Principal sponsors: Senators Gordon M. Johnson, Raj Mukherji; Assemblymembers Shama A. Haider, Cleopatra G. Tucker, Annette Quijano (and others listed in the bill record).
  • Companion bill: AJR 45 (identical).

Impact and implementation notes

  • The resolution is primarily commemorative and carries no direct funding or regulatory mandates.
  • It seeks to elevate public and policymaker attention to widows’ needs and may be used by advocates to press for concrete policy changes (e.g., enhanced bereavement leave, Social Security adjustments, targeted services).

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

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