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SJR 28

Memorials, Congress - Expresses support for the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of the 119th U.S. Congress. -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Designates the second weekend of September as Salute to Service and Sacrifice Weekend to honor fallen police, firefighters, and EMS with commemorative events.

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Bill Summary · SJR 28

Summary — SJR 28 (New Jersey): “Salute to Service and Sacrifice Weekend”

Status: Enacted (joint resolution) — Introduced Dec 12, 2024; Enacted Mar 6, 2025.
Subject: Commemoration of fallen police, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) professionals.

Purpose / Intent

SJR 28 designates the second weekend of September each year as “Salute to Service and Sacrifice Weekend” in New Jersey to honor and recognize police officers, firefighters, and EMS professionals who have died in the line of duty and to provide a time for public ceremonies and remembrance for their families and communities.

Key provisions

  • Official designation: The second weekend of September each year is named “Salute to Service and Sacrifice Weekend.”
  • Governor’s role: Requests that the Governor annually issue a proclamation recognizing the weekend and calling on public officials and residents to observe it with appropriate activities and programs.
  • Effective date: The resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Nature of measure: A commemorative joint resolution — it creates a statewide observance but does not establish new law, regulatory obligations, or funding.

Rationale / Findings noted in the resolution

  • Recognizes existing memorials in Washington, D.C., and growing national recognition for fallen public safety personnel.
  • Notes New Jersey’s historical line-of-duty deaths since recordkeeping began — over 600 firefighters and over 500 police officers — and the less-complete but significant toll on EMS personnel (with added impact from the COVID-19 pandemic).
  • States the importance of a collective time of recognition for fallen first responders and their families.

Who is affected

  • Primarily ceremonial: honors fallen police, firefighters, and EMS personnel and supports commemorative events for their families and communities.
  • State and local governments, veterans’/first-responder organizations, municipalities, and civic groups may plan or sponsor observances each year.
  • No direct regulatory, fiscal, employment, or benefit changes to public safety personnel.

Procedural / Timeline highlights

  • Introduced: Dec 12, 2024 (Senate).
  • Readings, committee referrals, and unanimous/adopted votes recorded in early 2025.
  • Enrolled and delivered to the Governor in early March 2025.
  • Enacted (final) on Mar 6, 2025.
  • Resolution requests annual proclamations thereafter; no deadlines for implementation beyond immediate effect.

Impact / Notes

  • Symbolic and commemorative: intended to promote statewide recognition, public awareness, and organized remembrances.
  • No appropriation or regulatory mandate included; any events or signage would be organized and funded by state, local, or private entities.
  • Encourages participation from public officials and residents to honor the service and sacrifice of first responders.

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

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