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McKnight Bills Signed into Law

Bills signed into law will help raise awareness about childhood cancers, support minority- and women-owned businesses and augment professional requirements for massage therapists


(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (D-Hudson) on Tuesday announced that three separate bills she sponsored to help raise awareness about childhood cancers, support small and minority- and women-owned businesses and enhance professional requirements for massage therapists have been signed into law.

“I’m very happy to announce that these bills have been signed into law. While they each serve a different purpose, they all help make life a little better for our residents,” said McKnight.

“These laws will help raise awareness about childhood cancer and promote understanding and compassion for those affected by this terrible disease, help ensure that small and minority- and women-owned business have equal opportunities to do business with the state and other government agencies, and that people who utilize massage therapy for stress and pain relief can rest assured that the professionals they trust with their wellness are adequately trained.”

The first law (AJR-106) designates the third week in September of each year as “Go Gold for Kids with Cancer Awareness Week.” The purpose of the designation is to encourage public and private schools to participate in activities that encourage youth to develop a better understanding of childhood cancers and build compassion for children battling cancer. As part of the law, the Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of the state to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs, and public officials and residents are asked to wear a gold ribbon, which is the international awareness symbol for childhood cancer.

The second law (AJR-122) establishes the “Disparity in State Procurement Study Commission.” The commission will assess the procurement of goods and services by state departments and agencies, including independent state authorities, and local governments to determine disparities, if any, between the availability and utilization of small, disadvantaged, and minority- and women-owned business enterprises in particular market areas. The commission will also recommend policies, practices, and programs that further the state’s efforts to promote opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and minority- and women-owned business enterprises.

The third law (A-4056) amends the “Massage and Bodywork Therapist Licensing Act” to require that applicants for licensure must complete both class study and examination requirements. Under current law, to be eligible for licensure as a massage and bodywork therapist, an applicant must either complete a minimum of 500 hours in class study in the field of massage and bodywork therapies or complete a written examination. The law requires that an applicant complete both.