ASSEMBLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 26

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 1, 2018

      The Assembly Women and Children Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Joint Resolution No. 26.

      As amended by the committee, this joint resolution permanently designates September as "Youth Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" in New Jersey to increase public awareness of the risk factors and warning signs for youth suicide, increase community involvement in creating strategies to prevent teens and young adults from taking their own lives, and to encourage the development of Statewide comprehensive anti-suicide initiatives.

      Under the joint resolution, the Governor is requested to issue an annual proclamation recognizing September as "Youth Suicide Prevention Awareness Month" in New Jersey and calling upon public officials, the citizens of the State, and other interested groups to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2018-2019 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amended the joint resolution to remove certain clauses of the preamble addressing suicide statistics specific to New Jersey.