SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 162

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 16, 2026

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 162.

      This bill requires the Department of Health (department) to develop a mobile cancer screening program.

      The bill provides that, within 180 days following the bill’s effective date, the department will partner with community organizations to operate a mobile cancer screening program, which will consist of staffed mobile vehicles deployed to the northern, central, and southern regions of the State.  Each vehicle is to be staffed by at least one health care professional who is qualified to perform a cancer screening.  The types of cancers which are to be screened and the manner in which the screenings are to be performed will be determined by the particular medical expertise of the health care professional assigned to the mobile vehicle and the medical devices and supplies which are made available to the health care professional.

      Under the bill, no later than two years after the bill’s effective date, the department is to submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislature summarizing the program and the results therefrom and providing recommendations for legislative action if such action is deemed necessary.

      The bill appropriates from the State’s General Fund to the department the sum of $100,000 to effectuate the purposes of the bill.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.