Monday, Dec. 8th, in Trenton, something happened that every New Jersey parent needs to know.

The Assembly considered A3016, a bill that allows operators of the New Jersey Suicide Hopeline to make follow-up calls to minors who are deemed “at risk of suicide”—without any requirement to notify parents.

Recognizing the danger of cutting families out of crisis care, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra offered a simple, common-sense floor amendment:
➡️ Require parental notification when a minor is identified as at risk of suicide.

No controversy. No fiscal impact. Just basic transparency and family involvement when it matters most. This is precisely when parents should be involved!

But instead of allowing an up-or-down vote, Majority Leader Lou Greenwald immediately moved to table the amendment—killing it on the spot. 
No debate. No justification. No concern for parental rights.

This is the latest example of Trenton leadership choosing secrecy over parents.

Parents cannot protect a child in crisis if the State deliberately keeps them in the dark.

A3016 should not move forward without a parental notification requirement. Families deserve to know when their child is struggling. Hotline operators—no matter how well-intentioned—cannot replace parents, pastors, or licensed mental-health professionals.

We are urging every legislator to oppose A3016 unless it is amended to include mandatory parental notification.

Your voice matters. Please contact your legislators today and tell them:

“Protect parents. Protect kids. Fix A3016.”

Thank you for standing with us as we continue to defend New Jersey families and safeguard parental rights in every corner of our state.

For Families and Freedom,
Center for Garden State Families