SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 2444

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 9, 2024

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2444 (1R).

      This bill requires the Department of Health (DOH) to study the racial aspects of ovarian cancer.

      The bill requires the DOH to evaluate strategies to mitigate disparities in ovarian cancer effects, rates, risk factors, symptoms, and outcomes among women who are members of racial and ethnic groups, which include, but are not limited to:  Asian, African-American, Caucasian, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander.

      Within one year after the bill’s date of enactment, the DOH is to prepare and submit to the Governor and the Legislature a report containing the study's findings and recommendations to address the impact of racial disparities on ovarian cancer rates among women who are members of racial and ethnic minorities.  The bill is to take effect immediately and expire upon the submission of the report.

      As reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 2444 (1R) is identical to Senate Bill No. 3869, which was also reported by the committee on this date.