summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This joint resolution designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey. Service dogs play an important role in assisting veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorder. It is estimated that 29 percent of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom may experience PTSD, and 28 percent of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom may experience TBI. New Jersey has a current veteran population of over 300,000. However, despite federal law to expand the availability of service dogs to veterans, the training and placement of service dogs falls primarily upon community non-profit organizations that depend on charitable donations, such as Paws Healing Heroes of Glassboro. The average cost to rescue, train, and present a service dog to a veteran can be $3,000 to $5,000, which is not covered by insurance or other veterans' benefits. Designating "Paws Healing Heroes Day" will promote greater awareness of the unique role of service dogs in assisting veterans.
AI Summary
This joint resolution designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize the critical role of service dogs in supporting veterans with various health challenges. The resolution highlights that approximately 29% of veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 28% may have traumatic brain injury (TBI), and scientific research has shown that service dogs can significantly reduce symptoms of these conditions, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The resolution notes that while the federal government has passed legislation to expand service dog availability, the training of these specialized animals primarily depends on non-profit organizations like Paws Healing Heroes in Glassboro, which can spend between $3,000 to $5,000 to rescue, train, and place a service dog with a veteran. The resolution calls on the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day and encourages public officials and citizens to participate in activities that raise awareness about the important contributions of service dogs to veterans' well-being.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (27)
Vicky Flynn (R)*,
Bob Auth (R),
Al Barlas (R),
Christian Barranco (R),
Brian Bergen (R),
Clinton Calabrese (D),
Robert Clifton (R),
Wayne DeAngelo (D),
Chris DePhillips (R),
John DiMaio (R),
Aura Dunn (R),
Don Guardian (R),
Robert Karabinchak (D),
Sean Kean (R),
Michele Matsikoudis (R),
Antwan McClellan (R),
Greg McGuckin (R),
Nancy Muñoz (R),
Erik Peterson (R),
Brian Rumpf (R),
Alex Sauickie (R),
Gerry Scharfenberger (R),
Erik Simonsen (R),
Claire Swift (R),
Mike Torrissi (R),
Anthony Verrelli (D),
Jay Webber (R),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AJR55 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AJR/55_I1.HTM |
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