AJR 61 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Designates November of every year as Arts and Health Month in New Jersey.

AJR 61 designates every November as "Arts and Health Month" in New Jersey to promote arts and health programming, particularly for underserved communities. The resolution cites research showing arts engagement reduces anxiety and depression symptoms by 73% and addresses disparities in arts access, such as Black and Hispanic students earning 25-30% fewer arts credits than white peers. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to host free or low-cost arts and health activities during November. The bill directly affects communities with limited arts access, aiming to improve mental health outcomes through creative expression. This is a symbolic designation with no new funding or regulations, focusing on raising awareness and community programming.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Full legislative history

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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Anthony Verrelli
Anthony Verrelli
DDemocratic
NJ
15