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Bill

AJR 167

Designates May 17 of each year as "Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and 1 co-sponsor

Designates May 17 as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day in New Jersey; urges annual governor proclamation and public observance to raise awareness and support families.

Substituted by SJR102
#commemoratio #disease
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Bill Summary · AJR 167

Summary: Assembly Joint Resolution No. 167 (AJR 167) – NEC Awareness Day

What the bill would do

  • AJR 167 designates May 17 of each year as “Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day” in New Jersey.
  • The Governor would be asked to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day and to encourage public officials and citizens to observe it with appropriate activities and programs.
  • The resolution states it takes effect immediately.
  • AJR 167 is the Assembly version of a companion measure, SJR 102 (Senate counterpart); the two are reported as identical. The current status indicates AJR 167 has been substituted by SJR 102.

Why this recognition is proposed (context and rationale)

  • Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is described as a severe intestinal disease affecting medically fragile infants, with potential for inflammation, tissue damage, systemic infection, neurological complications, and developmental delays.
  • The statement highlights the severity and costs associated with NEC, including high mortality rates among premature infants and substantial long-term health and financial burdens on families and the healthcare system.

Key provisions and language (substantive points)

  • May 17 is designated as NEC Awareness Day in New Jersey, aligning with World NEC Awareness Day observed internationally.
  • The Governor is requested to issue a proclamation recognizing the day annually.
  • Public officials and citizens are encouraged to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
  • The resolution emphasizes NEC’s health and economic impacts (e.g., one in 1,000 premature infants affected in broad statistics, mortality rates, long-term complications, and substantial hospital and NICU costs) and notes potential protective measures (education, screenings, nursing support, probiotics) as part of the broader public interest.

Who would be affected

  • State government and public officials (through the proclamation and observance activities).
  • New Jersey residents, especially families and healthcare providers involved with NICU care and infant health.
  • Public health and education communities that might organize awareness activities on NEC.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: May 2, 2024 (Assembly).
  • Committee action: January 23, 2025, the Assembly Committee reported favorably.
  • Legislative action: On March 24, 2025, AJR 167 was substituted by SJR 102 (the companion Senate measure), indicating a procedural shift to the Senate version.
  • Status: Substituted by SJR 102; identical content to the companion bill.

Related legislative actions

  • Companion/related bill: SJR 102 (Senate).
  • Both measures designate NEC Awareness Day and share the same intent and provisions.

This summary covers the bill’s purpose, core provisions, affected parties, and key procedural milestones, focusing on the designation of a commemorative day to raise awareness about NEC.

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

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