Designates April 2nd as "Light It Up Blue Day."

AJR178

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION

No. 178

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED MAY 7, 2026

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.