Bill
Bill > S966
NJ S966
NJ S966Requires Governor hold public hearings during declarations under Emergency Health Powers Act.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 requires the Governor of New Jersey to hold public hearings at least once a month in different parts of the state whenever a public health emergency is declared under the Emergency Health Powers Act (P.L.2005, c.222, which is the law governing public health emergencies). These hearings are intended to allow for the sharing of information about how the emergency declaration affects the state and its residents, and to give the public a chance to voice their concerns. This provision also applies to any extensions or changes made to existing emergency declarations that were issued before this bill becomes law, addressing a current lack of public input that has become a significant issue, particularly 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 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S966 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/966_I1.HTM |
Loading...