Bill

AR 157

Supports work of pregnancy resource centers and condemns harassment of pregnancy resource centers by AG.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Auth and 4 co-sponsors

The resolution expresses support for pregnancy resource centers in New Jersey and condemns the Attorney General’s actions as harassment.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Health Committee

#civilrights #health #women

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Bill Summary · AR 157

Type: Assembly Resolution (introduced, not a bill to enact law)
Title: Supports the work of pregnancy resource centers and condemns harassment of pregnancy resource centers by the Attorney General.
Status: Introduced in the Assembly on September 23, 2024; Referenced to Assembly Health Committee
Subject: Civil rights, health, women

To express formal support for pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) operating in New Jersey.
To condemn actions by the Attorney General (Matt Platkin) perceived as harassment of PRCs.
To characterize PRCs as valuable, faith-based or mission-driven nonprofit organizations that provide information, care, and resources to pregnant individuals—often at little or no cost—without regard to religion or ability to pay.
To assert that PRCs contribute to the community by offering alternatives to abortion, parenting education, medical care from licensed professionals, counseling, and maternal/baby goods.

Section 1: The Assembly “supports and applauds” the work of pregnancy resource centers in New Jersey.
Section 2: The Assembly “condemns” Attorney General Platkin for what it characterizes as harassment of PRCs in New Jersey.
Section 3: Requires that copies of the resolution, once filed, be transmitted to the Governor and the Attorney General.
Summary statement: The resolution frames PRCs as providing substantial benefits (e.g., free medical tests and goods) and alleges that the AG’s office has engaged in a nationwide, politically motivated campaign of intimidation under the banner of consumer protection.

PRCs are described as nonprofit, often faith-based, offering information and services to support pregnancy and alternatives to abortion.
2022 Data (cited in the resolution): NJ PRCs provided over $3.6 million in goods/services to more than 23,000 people, including:
- 8,000+ free pregnancy tests
- 6,000+ free ultrasound exams
- 2,000+ free STD screenings
- 9,000+ free diaper packs
- 75,000+ free baby clothes
- 55 car seats, 172 strollers, 38 cribs
- 1,000+ formula containers
The resolution alleges PRCs have faced harassment from the Attorney General, including subpoenas for extensive historical records (10 years) related to boards, staff, donors, volunteers, advertising, and informational materials.
It alleges these actions reflect bias toward a pro-abortion narrative and misuse of law enforcement powers.

Affects: Members and operations of pregnancy resource centers in New Jersey; the Office of the Attorney General; the New Jersey Governor.
The resolution is symbolic and ceremonial. It does not impose new requirements or allocate funding, but it signals legislative support for PRCs and opposition to AG enforcement actions as described by the sponsors.

Introduced: September 23, 2024
Next steps: If advanced, the Assembly Health Committee would review; potential floor consideration on a future date. As a resolution, any action is generally for express purpose of official position and does not create statutory changes.