ASSEMBLY TOURISM, GAMING AND THE ARTS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 4307

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

      The Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 4307 (1R).

      This bill, to be known as the “New Jersey History Day Act,” designates December 18 of each year as “New Jersey History Day” to acknowledge the contributions of the State and its municipalities to American history and to cultivate civic identity, community engagement, and historical understanding among residents.

      Instruction in State and local history strengthens civic identity, community engagement, and historical understanding.  New Jersey has a rich history that is well-suited for incorporation into American history courses.  On December 18th, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to ratify the United States Constitution and later became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights.  The State’s history reflects a diverse and evolving population, contributing to its civic, cultural, and economic development.  While current law requires the teaching of New Jersey history, there is no designated Statewide observance to highlight and celebrate such history.

      This bill requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing December 18 as “New Jersey History Day.”

      The bill also permits each school district to annually observe “New Jersey History Day” by designating one day or one week to celebrate the State’s history through appropriate instructional activities.  The Department of Education will provide guidelines and information to school districts for use in planning the activities in observance of “New Jersey History Day.”

      The bill provides that the New Jersey Historical Commission, in consultation with the Department of Education, will develop and distribute resource materials for school districts, promote Statewide participation in the celebration of “New Jersey History Day,” and provide grants to support appropriate programs and activities to observe “New Jersey History Day.”

      As reported by the committee, Senate Bill No. 4307 (1R) is identical to Assembly Bill No. 5251, which was also reported by the committee on this date.