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Bill

A 203

Renames Blue Star Memorial Highway Council as Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway Council; renames Blue Star Memorial Highway system as Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway system.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 3 co-sponsors

Renames the Blue Star Memorial Highway system to the Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway system and updates signage within 90 days to honor Gold Star families.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee
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Bill Summary · A 203

Bill Summary – New Jersey A 203 (Session 222)

Basic Information

  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Bill Title: Renames Blue Star Memorial Highway Council as Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway Council; renames Blue Star Memorial Highway system as Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway system
  • Sponsor/Action: Introduced 2026-01-13; referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee
  • Current Status: Proposed bill (as of introduction)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill renames the Blue Star Memorial Highway Council to the Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway Council and renames the Blue Star Memorial Highway system to the Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway system.
  • The change recognizes and honors Gold Star families—immediate relatives of U.S. military personnel killed in combat or in related duties—by incorporating “Gold Star” symbolism into the memorial highway program.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Statutory Renaming and Council Structure

  • Renaming within statute: Replaces references to the “Blue Star Memorial Highway Council” with the Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway Council, and similarly renames the associated highway system.
  • Historical context: The council was created to plan for landscaping, arboreal ornamentation, and incidental facilities of the Blue Star Memorial Highway system; the system serves as living memorials to New Jersey service members.
  • Permanent incorporation and updated membership: The bill includes the council in permanent statutes and updates its membership to reflect current state agency designations.
  • New member composition: Establishes a seven-member council appointed by the Governor:
    • One member designated from the Department of Transportation (DOT)
    • One member designated from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
    • One member designated from the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs (DMVA)
    • Four members appointed from individuals recommended by the Garden Club of New Jersey; these four serve four-year terms, may be reappointed, and serve at the Governor’s pleasure.

Section 2: Signage Update Requirement (New Section)

  • Within 90 days of the bill’s effective date, the Department of Transportation must update all signage statewide to reflect the updated name:
    • From: “Blue Star Memorial Highway system”
    • To: “Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway system”

Section 3: Effective Date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who/What Is Affected

  • State agencies: Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection, and Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs participate through designated members.
  • Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway Council: New seven-member body with appointments by the Governor; governance and advisory role retained (landscaping, arboreal ornamentation, and incidental facilities) for the memorial highway system.
  • Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway system: The highway system itself is renamed; signage state-wide must be updated accordingly.
  • Garden Club of New Jersey: Continues to play a role by recommending four council members.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Signage update deadline: Within 90 days after the bill’s effective date.
  • Terms: Four-year terms for the four Garden Club-recommended council members; consecutive terms allowed.
  • Effective date: Immediate (as stated in the bill).

Potential Impact

  • Commemorative significance: Elevates recognition of Gold Star families by integrating “Gold Star” terminology into the memorial highway program.
  • Operational changes: Requires DOT to coordinate a statewide signage overhaul within a defined short window (90 days).
  • Governance: Establishes a formal, permanent seven-member council with cross-agency representation and continued collaboration with the Garden Club of New Jersey, ensuring ongoing maintenance and beautification of the memorial highway system.

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

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