ASSEMBLY CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND FOOD SECURITY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3198

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 13, 2024

      The Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3198.

      This bill requires the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct a study on the causes of youth suicide.

      Under the bill, the Commissioner of Health (commissioner), in consultation with the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Human Services, and the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council is to study the causes of and risk factors associated with youth suicide in this State, including, but not limited to:  aggression, agitation, anxiety, emotional and physical trauma, family history, impulsivity, physical and mental illness, social withdrawal, and substance use, including alcohol, illicit drug, and prescription medication use.  The commissioner is to at a minimum:  review suicide data, available health records in a manner that is consistent with federal and State privacy laws, medical and other scientific literature, scholarly articles, public and private research, and any other resources deemed appropriate by the commissioner to carry out the purposes of this bill.

      The bill provides that the commissioner is to issue a report to the Governor and Legislature containing the commissioner’s findings made pursuant to the bill’s provisions.  The report is to include any recommendations for legislation or regulatory changes that would further the study of the causes of youth suicide.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.