New JerseyNew Jersey's Health Department can seek to join global outbreak network
New Jersey's Health Department may seek to join a World Health Organization outbreak network, take part in training, and work with public health partners.
What it does
New Jersey's Health Department may seek to join a global network that tracks and responds to disease outbreaks. It may apply, take part in training, and share information as law allows.
Joining the outbreak network would not make New Jersey a World Health Organization member. This law does not authorize agreements that conflict with federal law or the U.S. Constitution, or require spending beyond available funds.
If funds are available, the health commissioner must report within 18 months on efforts to join the network, progress, and needs. The department must post the report online.
Argument forTraining and information sharing could help New Jersey health workers spot outbreaks and coordinate a response sooner.
Argument againstApplying to the network could take staff time even if New Jersey does not gain a place in it.
More detail
The Health Department may seek to take part in a global network that helps detect and respond to disease outbreaks. This covers New Jersey's Health Department and its work with the World Health Organization's outbreak network. The department may apply, take part in training, and share outbreak information. It may share private health information only when state or federal law allows it. This permission took effect on July 22, 2026.
This law does not make New Jersey a member of the World Health Organization. These limits apply to New Jersey's Health Department under this law. This law does not authorize agreements that conflict with federal law or the U.S. Constitution. It does not require spending beyond money provided to the department. These limits took effect on July 22, 2026.
The health commissioner must report to the governor and lawmakers, and the department must post the report online. The report must cover the department's efforts, progress, benefits, challenges, needs, and recommendations. The reporting duty depends on funds being available. The report is due within 18 months after July 22, 2026, if funds are available.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 22Approved P.L.2026, c.50.Became Law
- Jun 11Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (57-22-0)Major
- May 28Received in the Assembly, 2nd Reading on ConcurrenceMinor
- May 28Passed by the Senate (23-10)Passed 2nd Chamber
- May 28Substituted for S3985 (1R)
- May 11Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd ReadingMinor
- May 4Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens CommitteeMinor
- Mar 23Passed by the Assembly (55-18-0)Passed 1st Chamber
- Mar 16Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Feb 12Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Infrastructure CommitteeIntroduced
HealthcarePublic SafetyEmergency Management