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Bill > S1359
NJ S1359
NJ S1359Requires health insurance companies to cover lead screenings for children 16 years of age or younger.
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 health insurance companies to cover lead screenings for children 16 years of age or younger. Under current law, health insurance companies are only required to cover screenings by blood lead measurement for children under the age of six. This bill will help protect the children of New Jersey from the harms of lead poisoning and elevated blood lead levels. There is no safe level of lead exposure in children, as even low levels of lead in the bloodstream can stunt a child's development. By requiring health insurance companies to cover lead screenings in children who are 16 years of age or younger, the State will be taking a substantial step to detect lead exposure in children before it is too late.
AI Summary
This bill expands the requirement for health insurance companies to cover lead screenings for children from those under six years old to all children 16 years of age or younger, aiming to protect children from the developmental harms of lead poisoning by enabling earlier detection. The bill amends existing law to extend the age range for mandatory lead screenings performed by physicians, nurses, and healthcare facilities, and also requires that siblings and household members up to 16 years old be screened if an elevated blood lead level is detected in a child. The Department of Health will continue to set specific regulations for screening requirements, including recommended ages, intervals, testing methods, and the blood lead levels that trigger responsive actions, consistent with federal guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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
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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/2026/S1359 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1359_I1.HTM |
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