Designates September 21 of each year as "New Jersey Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety Day."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 3 co-sponsors

Designates September 21 as New Jersey Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety Day to raise awareness and honor crossing guards and safety workers, urging public observance.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee

Overview

AJR 150 (Session 222, New Jersey) designates September 21 of each year as "New Jersey Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety Day." The measure is an Assembly Joint Resolution introduced on February 19, 2026, sponsored by Assemblyman Balvir Singh and Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, with co-sponsorship from Assemblyman Sampson. If enacted, the resolution would not create new law or funding obligations, but would establish an annual statewide observance and prompt the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing the day.

Purpose and Intent

Elevate public awareness of pedestrian crosswalk safety across New Jersey.

Honor the efforts and sacrifices of crossing guards and other public safety workers who protect pedestrians, particularly students traveling to and from schools.

Specifically commemorate the life and service of Bruce Morlack, a Burlington City School District crossing guard who died in the line of duty in protection of students, and to honor his legacy on his birthday (September 21).

Key Provisions

Designation: September 21 of each year is designated as "New Jersey Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety Day."

Recognition and Observance: The Governor is requested to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day and to urge public officials and New Jersey residents to observe with appropriate activities and programs.

Purpose of observance: Promote crosswalk safety education, awareness, responsibility, and proactive safety measures for all road users.

Who/What Would Be Affected

State government and local governments are encouraged to participate in observances.

Schools, school districts, municipalities, community organizations, and the general public are urged to engage in activities that advance pedestrian crosswalk safety.

The designation also serves to honor crossing guards and other safety personnel, highlighting their role in protecting pedestrians.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced February 19, 2026, and referred to the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.

Effective date: The resolution states that it shall take effect immediately upon enactment.

Legislative action: As a joint resolution, it would likely require passage by both houses (Assembly and Senate) and signature by the Governor to become formal law or to prompt the proclamation described.

Additional Context

The bill’s text and sponsor notes emphasize safety education, vigilance by pedestrians (e.g., avoiding distractions, adhering to crossing guards), and the vital role of crossing guards in protecting students.

The bill is primarily symbolic, aiming to create a statewide annual observance and honor public safety personnel, rather than to mandate new programs or funding.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-page brief or a comparison with similar pedestrian safety observances in other states.