Authorizes DOH to establish partnerships in international public health.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Raj Mukherji and 5 co-sponsors

New Jersey may seek GOARN participation to boost outbreak detection, response, and international collaboration, without creating legal obligations or new spending.

Received in the Assembly, 2nd Reading on Concurrence

Summary of A.B. 4075 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

Authorizes the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to pursue participation in the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), a coordinated international network that helps detect, verify, and respond to global disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

The bill aims to enhance New Jersey’s outbreak preparedness, situational awareness, workforce capacity, and coordination with domestic and international partners by engaging with GOARN and related international public health initiatives.

Key provisions and changes

Authorization for action:

The DOH may take “reasonable and appropriate steps” to seek participation in GOARN.
Specific actions permitted include:
Communicating and coordinating with WHO and GOARN’s operations support teams.
Submitting expressions of interest, applications, or other required documentation for participation.
Designating DOH offices or programs to serve as points of contact for GOARN activities.
Participating in technical consultations, trainings, exercises, and information-sharing activities aligned with GOARN’s mission.
Collaborating with federal, state, local, academic, and nonprofit partners to support outbreak preparedness and response.

Limitations and protections:

The bill does not create a membership in WHO for the State, nor authorize actions conflicting with federal law or the U.S. Constitution.
It does not permit disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable health information beyond what state or federal law allows.
It does not require spending beyond what is appropriated or made available to the DOH.

Reporting requirement:

Within 18 months of the act’s effective date, the Commissioner of Health must submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature.
The report must describe actions to pursue GOARN participation, status of any applications or participation, benefits, challenges, resource needs, and recommendations for further action (including other international initiatives, if appropriate).
The DOH must post the report on its Internet website.

Effective date:

The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who and what is affected

Primary entity: New Jersey Department of Health.

Affects: State public health preparedness activities, potential collaboration with international and federal partners, and the state’s approach to outbreak detection and response.

No direct mandate to fund GOARN participation; any funding would depend on existing appropriations or future legislative action.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: February 12, 2026.

Action history indicates passage through Assembly and Senate with amendments, and final approval:

Assembly: Passed March 23, 2026 (55-18-0).
Senate: Passed May 28, 2026 (23-10).

Reporting deadline: 18 months after the act’s effective date for the required DOH report.

Immediate effect: The act is stated to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Practical impact and considerations

The bill provides a framework for New Jersey to engage with GOARN without creating international legal obligations or new fiscal mandates.

If pursued, participation could enhance state-level outbreak intelligence, surge capacity, and cross-border information-sharing.

The reporting obligation ensures legislative oversight of any actions, benefits, costs, and needs associated with international public health collaboration.