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SJR 152

Memorials, Death - Albert Lee Fatherree II -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Rusty Crowe

Designates the first full week of June as New Jersey Fishing and Boating Week to boost outdoor participation, conservation awareness, and coordinate with Free Fishing Day.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SJR 152

Summary: SJR 152 – New Jersey Fishing and Boating Week

Overview

  • Bill: SJR 152 (Joint Resolution)
  • Title: Designates the first full week of June of each year as "New Jersey Fishing and Boating Week."
  • Status: Introduced in the Senate on February 20, 2025; referred to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
  • Companion/Related: AJR 165 (companion bill)

Purpose

Designate a recurring, statewide observance—“New Jersey Fishing and Boating Week”—during the first full week of June each year. The designation aims to highlight the importance of fishing and boating to residents’ quality of life, encourage participation in outdoor activities, and promote environmental stewardship and appreciation of New Jersey’s natural resources.

Key Provisions

  1. Designation (Section 1): The first full week of June each year is officially designated as “New Jersey Fishing and Boating Week” to emphasize the value of fishing and boating to quality of life and to the preservation of the state’s natural beauty.
  2. Governor’s Proclamation (Section 2): The Governor may annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and New Jersey residents to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.
  3. Publicity and Coordination (Section 3): The Division of Fish and Wildlife must publicize the week and coordinate at least one of the state’s Free Fishing Day events (as defined by state law) with that week.
  4. Effective Date (Section 4): The joint resolution takes effect immediately.

Background and Rationale (Statement)

  • Emphasizes fishing and boating as core components of American recreation and outdoor life.
  • Cites national participation data (e.g., 2012: 47 million anglers; 46 million boaters) and New Jersey activity (e.g., 2011: 766,000 anglers, 9.5 million days spent fishing).
  • Highlights New Jersey’s diverse fishing opportunities (saltwater species like striped bass and flounder; brook trout in streams) and a broad range of boating activities along the Jersey Shore and inland waterways.
  • Notes benefits of fishing and boating for family engagement, education about aquatic life, environmental stewardship, and stress relief.
  • Points to National Fishing and Boating Week as a model and motivation for a state-specific observance.

Affected Parties

  • State Government & Officials: Governor, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and public agencies involved in outdoor recreation and conservation.
  • Residents & Visitors: General public, anglers, boaters, and families who participate in fishing, boating, and related outdoor activities.
  • Public Programs: Coordination of public awareness campaigns and at least one Free Fishing Day alignment with the designated week.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Currently in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee (as of introduction date).
  • As a joint resolution, it designates a week rather than creating new statutory mandates or funding, though it may involve publicity costs and program coordination by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
  • If enacted, the designation would apply annually, beginning with the first full week of June in the year following enactment.

Potential Impact

  • Increases awareness of fishing and boating opportunities in New Jersey.
  • Encourages public participation and family engagement in outdoor recreation.
  • Promotes conservation and environmental stewardship through coordinated state activities and observances.
  • Provides a formal framework to align state Free Fishing Day activities with a broader, annual observance.

If you’d like, I can compare SJR 152 to AJR 165 or draft a one-page briefing for policymakers.

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

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