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SJR 146

Memorials, Death - Edwena Lorraine Crowe -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Randy McNally

Designates June 1 as Robert 'Bob' Popovics Day in NJ and urges the Governor to issue an annual proclamation; a ceremonial honor with no fiscal impact.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SJR 146

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 146 (SJR 146)

Designates June 1 of each year as “Robert 'Bob' Popovics Day” in New Jersey.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a ceremonial statewide designation to recognize and honor the life, community service, and contributions of Robert “Bob” Popovics.
  • Specifically designates June 1 annually as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” and directs the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day.

Key Provisions

  • Designation: June 1 of each year is designated as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” in New Jersey.
  • Proclamation: The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the day.
  • Effective date: The joint resolution takes effect immediately.
  • Fiscal note: The measure is not certified as requiring a fiscal note (i.e., it is ceremonial and not expected to have significant direct costs).

About Robert “Bob” Popovics (Background Information)

  • Born in Trenton, longtime New Jersey resident (Seaside Park) and later Bayville.
  • U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War.
  • Business and community figure: Took over and operated Shady Rest restaurant in Bayville with his wife.
  • Fishing community leader: Avid fly fisherman, master fly tyer, founder and CEO of Pop Fleyes (custom fly tying and education).
  • Notable contributions: Groundbreaking fly designs; community meetings that contributed to the formation of the Atlantic Saltwater Flyrodders.
  • Widely recognized for generosity and community involvement.

Who/What Is Affected

  • The designation applies to New Jersey and is a symbolic, commemorative measure recognizing Bob Popovics’ contributions to his local community, the broader fishing community, and the United States.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025 (Senate, as a Senate Joint Resolution).
  • Committee actions:
    • January 14, 2025: Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
    • February 3, 2025: Transferred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
    • March 17, 2025: Reported out of Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee with a favorable report.
  • Senate action:
    • June 2, 2025: Passed the Senate (38-0).
  • Assembly actions:
    • June 12, 2025: Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
  • Related legislation: AJR 209 (companion bill).
  • Status: As of the latest actions, the bill has moved to the Assembly for consideration after passing the Senate.

Economic and Fiscal Impact

  • No direct fiscal impact anticipated; no dollar amounts or funding changes are attached to this designation.

Summary

SJR 146 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing the life and community contributions of Bob Popovics by designating June 1 each year as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” in New Jersey and urging the Governor to issue an annual proclamation. The measure honors Popovics’ military service, local business, and leadership within the fishing community and broader New Jersey community. The bill is non-binding and does not allocate funds. It has progressed from the Senate to the Assembly for final consideration, with a companion bill AJR 209.

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

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