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Bill > S537
NJ S537
NJ S537Requires Governor hold public hearings during declarations under Emergency Health Powers Act.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Governor to hold public hearings when a public health emergency is declared under the Emergency Health Powers Act. The hearings will be held at least once a month and in various parts of the State. Currently, the public has limited opportunity to voice any concerns. This lack of opportunity to voice concerns has become an increasing issue with the prolonged restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under this bill, the Governor will be required to hold public hearings in various parts of the State to provide for the exchange of information regarding the impact of the declaration on the State and its residents and to provide an opportunity for members of the public to express their concerns regarding the declaration. This bill will apply to any extension or modification of a declaration that was initially issued before the bill's effective date.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Governor, or a designated representative, must hold public hearings at least once a month in different locations across the state whenever a public health emergency is declared under the Emergency Health Powers Act (P.L.2005, c.222, which establishes the framework for responding to health emergencies). These hearings are intended to facilitate the sharing of information about how the emergency declaration affects the state and its residents, and crucially, to give the public a chance to voice their concerns. This requirement will also apply to any extensions or modifications of existing emergency declarations that were in place before this bill becomes law, addressing a current limitation where public input opportunities are scarce, a concern that has grown particularly prominent during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S537 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/537_I1.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S1000/537_I1.HTM |
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