Bill Text: NJ AJR178 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates April 2nd as "Light It Up Blue Day."
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Introduced) 2026-05-07 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee [AJR178 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2026-AJR178-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman BRIAN E. RUMPF
District 9 (Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Designates April 2nd as "Light It Up Blue Day."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating April 2nd as "Light It Up Blue Day" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurological and developmental condition; and
Whereas, Autism is considered a spectrum disorder and often includes a range of characteristics of differing severity, which necessitate people with autism to have a range of needs, strengths, and challenges; and
Whereas, Raising awareness about autism is important for promoting early diagnosis, treatment, and access to resources and support; and
Whereas, The month of April is World Autism Awareness Month and is dedicated to increasing awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism; and
Whereas, In 2007, the United Nations passed a resolution designating April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day, an internationally recognized day that is dedicated to raising awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of individuals with autism; and
Whereas, According to Autism New Jersey and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of autism diagnosis in New Jersey is higher than the national average, with 3.5 percent of children diagnosed by eight years old; and
Whereas, The color blue is often associated with the autism awareness and acceptance movement; and
Whereas, The illumination of buildings with blue lights on April 2nd is a recognized way to promote awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of individuals with autism; and
Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper to designate April 2nd as "Light It Up Blue Day" in New Jersey to increase awareness and acceptance of autism; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. April 2nd of each year is designated as "Light It Up Blue Day" to promote greater awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of autism. State agencies throughout New Jersey are encouraged to participate in promoting the day by illuminating State buildings with blue lights.
2. The Governor may annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of the State to observe "Light It Up Blue Day" with appropriate activities and programs.
3. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted on the date of enactment and annually thereafter two calendar weeks before April 2nd by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Governor, the members of the State Legislature, and the commissioners of every State executive agency. If the date of transmittal falls on a non-working day, the resolution shall be transmitted on the State working day next following.
4. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution would designate April 2nd of each year as "Light It Up Blue Day" in the State. The color blue is often associated with autism spectrum disorder and April is the month of World Autism Awareness. Additionally, the United Nations, in 2007, passed a resolution designating April 2nd of each year as "World Autism Awareness Day." To help celebrate, bring awareness to, and understand autism, this resolution would encourage State agencies to participate by illuminating State buildings with blue lights on April 2nd of each year.
