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Bill

Bill

SR 103

Establishes May 25, 2026 as "Missing Children's Day" in NJ.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight

Designates May 25, 2026 as Missing Children’s Day in New Jersey to raise awareness and honor those involved in locating and supporting missing children.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 103

Overview

  • Bill: SR 103
  • Session: 222 (New Jersey)
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title: Establishes May 25, 2026 as "Missing Children's Day" in NJ
  • Type: Senate Resolution (commemorative)
  • Sponsor: Primary and co-sponsor listed (Co-sponsor: Angela McKnight)

Purpose and intent

  • Establish May 25, 2026 as “Missing Children’s Day” in New Jersey.
  • Recognizes and honors missing children, their families, law enforcement, and organizations working to locate and return missing children.
  • Aims to raise public awareness about missing children and the factors that place children at risk, and to acknowledge ongoing efforts to bring missing children home.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Designates May 25, 2026 as “Missing Children’s Day” in New Jersey.
  • Section 2: Directs that copies of the resolution, once filed with the Secretary of State, be transmitted to the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
  • Statement of Purpose (non-binding): Highlights the scope of the issue (statistical context, risks to children, importance of rapid reporting and response) and reiterates the intent to raise public awareness and recognize stakeholders’ efforts.

Background and context provided

  • Cites FBI National Crime Information Center data: over 349,557 reports of missing children in 2024.
  • Notes that children, though roughly one-fifth of the U.S. population, accounted for about 65% of missing persons cases in 2024.
  • Identifies at-risk groups (e.g., children with autism, children in foster care, those with higher absenteeism from education, parental issues, mental health challenges) and emphasizes heightened vulnerability (physical violence, homelessness).
  • Highlights that the first three hours after disappearance are critical for safe recovery, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
  • Connects the designation to the national and international observances of Missing Children’s Day (National since 1983; International since 2001) and the Etan Patz case.

Affected entities

  • State of New Jersey and its residents, particularly families and communities concerned with missing children.
  • Department of Children and Families (to receive copies of the resolution).
  • Law enforcement, child safety organizations, and advocacy groups engaged in missing children investigations and awareness campaigns.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative action: Introduced in the Senate on May 28, 2026; referred to the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
  • Formal designation becomes effective on the date of enactment of the resolution (May 25, 2026, as stated in the resolution text), with formal acknowledgement via transmission to the NJ Department of Children and Families.
  • As a resolution, this measure is symbolic and ceremonial, without creating new statutory mandates or appropriations.

Impact assessment

  • Primarily a public awareness and recognition measure.
  • Signals state support for missing children initiatives and reinforces the importance of timely reporting and response.
  • May influence public perception, media coverage, and community engagement around missing children issues in New Jersey.

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

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