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Bill

SJR 19

Designates month of April of each year as "Donate Life Month."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by John Burzichelli

New Jersey designates April annually as "Donate Life Month" to encourage organ, tissue, and blood donation awareness through an official state observance.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · SJR 19

Legislative bill overview

SJR 19 designates April of each year as "Donate Life Month" in New Jersey as an official state observance. The bill is a symbolic resolution that establishes this month to raise awareness about organ, tissue, and blood donation. No new regulations or funding mechanisms are created by this designation.

Why is this important

Organ and tissue donation saves lives—over 100,000 people nationwide are on transplant waiting lists, and designating an awareness month can increase donation registration rates. Public awareness campaigns during designated months have historically driven increases in donor registrations, potentially expanding the pool of available organs and tissues for transplant candidates.

Potential points of contention

  • Limited practical impact: Symbolic resolutions don't change policy or allocate resources; critics argue legislative time could focus on substantive donation policy reforms
  • Competing causes: States designate numerous awareness months annually, raising questions about whether legislative action is necessary for public health campaigns that organizations already conduct
  • Effectiveness questions: No evidence requirement that the bill demonstrate how official designation measurably increases donations beyond existing awareness efforts by nonprofits and the state health department

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

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