Parental Rights Update: Lobbying Day in Trenton
The New Jersey Parental Rights Coalition organized a tremendously successful Lobbying Day this past Monday. Parents from across the state—many participating for the very first time—came to the capital to meet with legislators, distribute flyers urging an amendment to a critical bill, and even testify before the Senate Health Committee.
The energy, passion, and sincere commitment of these parents to safeguard the life and health of their children was unmistakable. Your voices made a difference.
We appreciate Senator Mike Testa (R), Assemblyman Jay Webber (R), Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (R), Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R), and Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (R) for addressing the parents at the start of the day.
Caption: Senator Mike Testa (R) and Assemblyman Jay Webber (R)
Caption: Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (R) and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R)
Caption: Parental Rights advocates outside the Assembly caucus room
Caption: NJFPC Director of Advocacy Shawn Hyland addresses the parents
Parental Notification Denied in the Assembly Vote
Some of the parents joined the NJFPC and leaders from Jersey 1st to approach members of the Assembly before the voting session, urging them to support an amendment to A3016. This bill prohibits suicide Hopeline operators from informing parents when their 16‑year‑old child calls the hotline and is classified as being at high risk of suicide.
That’s right—parents would not be told when their minor child has expressed intent to harm themselves. This is senseless and potentially deadly. Parents are the first line of defense. As the ones living with their child, they must be able to remove access to weapons or medications that could pose a risk.
Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (R) delivered a passionate floor speech in support of an amendment requiring parental notification. Assemblyman Louis Greenwald (D) immediately moved to “table the amendment”—a procedural motion to block a vote. All Democrats in the Assembly voted with him, effectively killing the amendment.
Afterward, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R) and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R) gave floor speeches acknowledging that while the bill’s intent to save lives is commendable, its fatal flaw is that parents will not be notified when their child wants to end their life. Assemblyman John Azzariti (R) had prepared remarks but was not recognized by the Speaker due to a technical issue.
Despite multiple concerns raised publicly, the bill’s sponsor, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (D), had the opportunity to explain the rationale behind denying parents notification. With our flyer seeking an amendment sitting on his desk, he simply stated, “I move the bill.” No explanation, no justification.
The bill passed the Assembly and will now move to the Senate for consideration.
Watch videos below!
Advocates Challenge NJDOH Overreach in Trenton
Caption: Members of the Parental Rights Coalition in the Senate Health Committee
Other parental rights organizations filled the Senate Health Committee hearing room to oppose bills S4994 and S4726, sponsored by Senator Joe Vitale (D). At the start of the hearing, they learned the bills had been merged, but the core concern remained: the legislation would centralize vaccination policy under the NJ Department of Health and shift authority from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to private associations like the AAP, AMA, and ACOG—groups with no public accountability or legislative oversight.
More than a dozen advocates testified, raising concerns about transparency, public trust, and responsible governance. Unfortunately, the bill passed out of Committee along party lines. It has now been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, and the current Assembly version, A6166, awaits a hearing in the Assembly Health Committee.
The Parental Rights Coalition remains strong and will return to Trenton soon. Thank you to the parents who showed up and refused to back down. While Monday’s outcome was not what we hoped for, we must remain steadfast in our mission to protect children.
