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AJR 131

Permanently designates the first Friday in February as "Give Kids a Smile Day" in New Jersey.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy and 1 co-sponsor

Designates the first Friday in February as Give Kids A Smile Day in NJ and asks the Governor to issue proclamations and promote dental access for underserved children.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 131

Summary: AJR 131 – Give Kids A Smile Day (New Jersey)

Overview

AJR 131 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey General Assembly on February 12, 2024. It designates the first Friday in February as “Give Kids A Smile Day” in New Jersey. The resolution is currently in the Assembly, referred to the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee. As a joint resolution, it expresses the sense of the Legislature and requests executive action rather than creating new state law or appropriations.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a permanent designation of the first Friday in February as “Give Kids A Smile Day” in New Jersey.
  • Promote awareness of the importance of oral health for children.
  • Encourage connection between underserved children and dentists, and highlight the need for access to dental care.
  • Request annual gubernatorial proclamation and public observance activities to accompany the designation.

Key Provisions

  1. Designation: The first Friday in February is permanently designated as “Give Kids A Smile Day” in New Jersey.
  2. Proclamation: The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the day and to urge public officials and citizens to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
  3. Effective Date: The resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Background and Rationale (from introduced text)

  • Tooth decay is described as the leading chronic infectious disease among U.S. children, affecting a substantial share of youth and impacting school performance and attendance.
  • GKAS (Give Kids A Smile) origins began in 2002 and evolved into the American Dental Association’s nationwide program by 2003 to improve access to dental care for underserved children.
  • The program involves thousands of volunteers providing education, screenings, and treatment, with a broad national impact.
  • The resolution cites ongoing GKAS activities and local initiatives (e.g., Rowan College at Burlington County’s annual event) as examples of the program’s reach and benefits.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Public: New Jersey residents, particularly children and families concerned with oral health and access to care.
  • Healthcare/Providers: Dentists, dental hygienists, and volunteers who participate in GKAS events may be cited as model programs for outreach.
  • Government: Encourages state and local officials to support awareness activities, events, and programs during GKAS Day.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee.
  • Timelines: If enacted, the designation would be observed annually on the first Friday in February, with the Governor issuing an annual proclamation.
  • Legal effect: As a joint resolution (non-binding), it expresses the Legislature’s position and symbolism rather than creating enforceable obligations or new funding.

Fiscal Note (Not Provided)

  • No explicit fiscal impact is stated in the introduced version. As a commemorative resolution, direct appropriations are unlikely, though related awareness activities could involve minor administrative costs.

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

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