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MD

Bill

AJR 32

Designates October as "Lead Poisoning Awareness Month."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Donlon and 2 co-sponsors

Designates October as Lead Poisoning Awareness Month in New Jersey and asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation, elevating awareness and encouraging screening.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Health Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 32

AJR 32 — Lead Poisoning Awareness Month

Overview

AJR 32 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Assembly on January 9, 2024, and referred to the Assembly Health Committee. The companion bill is SJR 90. The measure designates October of each year as “Lead Poisoning Awareness Month” in New Jersey and asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the observance. The resolution takes effect immediately but, as a non-binding joint resolution, does not create new laws or spending.

What the bill does

  • Designates October every year as "Lead Poisoning Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
  • Requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing October as Lead Poisoning Awareness Month.
  • States that the designation is intended to raise public awareness about the dangers of elevated blood lead levels and the ways to minimize exposure.

Key provisions and context (introduced version)

  • The measure’s introductory preamble cites public health data and background facts, including:
    • In 2020, about 1,400 New Jersey children were found to have elevated blood lead levels (≥5 µg/dL).
    • Lead exposure can cause developmental delays and learning difficulties in children.
    • Testing requirements exist for children at ages 1 and 2.
    • Primary sources of lead exposure include lead-based paint (common in housing built before 1978) and drinking water (EPA indicates about 20% of lead exposure from water; higher for infants on formula).
    • Adult lead exposure is often occupational (notably in construction); hobbies such as jewelry making and stained glass can pose risks.
    • Historical and regulatory context includes the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act amendment banning lead in plumbing materials, and the 1970s-early 1980s bans on lead-based paint.
    • New Jersey’s 2021 laws address lead paint inspections in certain rental properties and require public water systems to inventory and replace lead service lines.
  • The text emphasizes continuing public health risk and the value of heightened awareness and screening.

Who is affected

  • General public of New Jersey, with emphasis on parents and caregivers of children, and workers in industries with lead exposure risk.
  • State and local health agencies as potential partners in outreach and awareness campaigns (though the bill itself does not create new programs or funding).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024.
  • Status: Referred to Assembly Health Committee (no further action listed in the provided information).
  • Effective date: Immediately upon enactment (as a joint resolution).
  • Relationship to related legislation: Companion bill SJR 90; both serve to designate the observance.

Impact

  • Primarily symbolic/educational: aims to raise awareness about lead exposure risks and screening, potentially encouraging screening and prevention behaviors.
  • No stated fiscal impact or new regulatory requirements in the text of the bill.

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

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