Summary of Bill A 4579 (Session 222) – New Jersey
Main purpose and intent
- Increase the annual cigarette and other tobacco products tax revenues allocated to the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR) from the current level to $10 million.
- Create a dedicated, non-lapsing Cancer Research Fund in the Department of the Treasury to receive and administer these revenues and other approved funds for cancer research grants, including pediatric cancer research.
- Strengthen and expand funding capacity for cancer research in New Jersey, with a stated emphasis on reducing disparities in cancer care and expanding access to clinical trials.
Key provisions and changes
1) Revenue allocation increase
- Section 5 of P.L.1982, c.40 is amended to redirect the amount deposited into the Cancer Research Fund from $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 annually, sourced from the tax revenue under section 301 of P.L.1948, c.65.
- The bill notes that historically, this funding has sometimes redirected to the General Fund via appropriations acts; the bill intends to provide a stable annual $10 million allocation dedicated to cancer research.
2) Establishment of the Cancer Research Fund (non-lapsing, revolving)
- A new, non-lapsing, revolving Cancer Research Fund is created within the Department of the Treasury.
- The Fund will receive the $10 million annual revenue and any other funds approved by the Department of Health or the NJCCR.
- Monies in the Fund, plus interest, will be used exclusively for grants and contracts for general cancer research and pediatric cancer research, as authorized and approved by the NJCCR.
- The Fund is non-lapsing, ensuring long-term capitalization for cancer research.
3) Administration and investment
- The State Treasurer will be the custodian; disbursements require vouchers signed by the chairperson of the NJCCR (or designee).
- Funds will be invested and reinvested by the Director of the Division of Investment in the Department of the Treasury, similar to other trust funds.
- Interest earned on the Fund will be credited to the Fund.
4) Effective date
- The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Who is affected
- New Jersey residents seeking cancer research advancements, particularly general and pediatric cancer research.
- NJCCR itself, which would gain a more robust, stable funding stream and potentially greater grant-making capacity.
- Practitioners, researchers, and institutions applying for NJCCR grants.
- The Department of the Treasury, responsible for managing the non-lapsing Cancer Research Fund.
- Communities experiencing cancer disparities, as the bill emphasizes increasing access to clinical trials and high-quality care for minority and vulnerable populations.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced March 10, 2026, with referrals to Assembly Health Committee.
- As a funding and structural bill, it would require passage by both legislative chambers and the governor to become law.
- If enacted, the Fund would immediately begin receiving $10 million annually from tobacco tax revenues and would operate as a non-lapsing revolving fund, with ongoing receipts and investments to support cancer research grants.
Notable points
- The bill explicitly prioritizes funding to: (a) expand NJCCR's capacity to fund comprehensive cancer research and provide information resources; and (b) allocate at least $5 million for general cancer research and at least $5 million for pediatric cancer research each year.
- The shift from a lapsing fund to a non-lapsing, revolving fund aims to improve long-term funding stability and reduce volatility in cancer research financing.
This summary covers the bill’s stated objectives, financial mechanics, governance, and potential impact on cancer research funding in New Jersey.
