SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 41

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 24, 2020

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Joint Resolution No. 41.

      As amended and reported by the committee, this joint resolution designates June 2 of every year as “Gun Violence Awareness Day” in New Jersey to honor and remember all victims of, and others affected by, firearm violence.  The resolution also requires the Governor to issue a proclamation calling on public officials and citizens of New Jersey to observe June 2 of every year as “Gun Violence Awareness Day.”

      The national “Gun Violence Awareness Day” campaign was established by the friends of Hadiya Pendleton to commemorate her life.  Tragically, Hadiya, at the age of 15, was shot and killed in Chicago just one week after performing at former President Barack Obama’s second inaugural parade. On June 2, 2013, Chicago teens first marched to raise awareness about firearm violence and honor the lives cut short every day because of firearm related violence.

      Communities nationwide annually recognize “Gun Violence Awareness Day” to promote greater awareness about firearm violence and firearm safety, to concentrate heightened attention on firearm violence during the summer months, when this violence typically increases, and to bring citizens and community leaders together to discuss ways to make our communities safer.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to make technical changes and to update data regarding firearm related deaths.