Establishes State Seal Task Force to review the State seal.
Impact
The task force will consist of 11 members, including high school students, appointed by various state officials, and it will have to hold public hearings to gather community input. This approach aims to engage a diverse set of voices in the discussion regarding the State seal, thereby promoting a representation that considers both historical and contemporary perspectives on what the seal should denote for current and future New Jersey residents.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4320 establishes the State Seal Task Force in New Jersey, tasked with reviewing and potentially updating the design of the State seal, which was originally adopted in 1777. The bill acknowledges that New Jersey has changed significantly since the seal's adoption and suggests that the current seal may not accurately reflect the state’s present identity. The task force aims to ensure that the seal represents a more current and inclusive vision of New Jersey.
Contention
The bill raises questions about the historical significance of state symbols and whether they should be periodically revised to align with changing demographics and societal values. Some may argue that changing the State seal could undermine traditions, while supporters advocate that it is essential for state symbols to reflect the current population and culture. Assessing the advantages and disadvantages of changing the State seal will be among the key duties of the task force, which could become a point of contention depending on the recommendations they ultimately report.
Establishes task force to study issues facing returning members of the United States Armed Forces and New Jersey National Guard and make recommendations on how State should address issues.