SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5597

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 10, 2021

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5597.

      This bill allows school districts to administer anonymous, voluntary surveys concerning student health once prior written notification has been provided to parents and legal guardians.  Specifically, the school district would be able to administer a survey concerning the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and vaping; sexual behavior and attitudes; behaviors that may contribute to intentional or unintentional injuries or violence; or physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors.

      Written notification to parents and legal guardians would be delivered by regular mail, electronic mail, or a written acknowledgement form to be delivered by the student at least two weeks prior to administration of the survey.  Information obtained through the survey would be submitted to the Department of Education and the Department of Health.  The information may be used to develop public health initiatives and prevention programs, and would not be used for marketing or other commercial purposes unrelated to student health.

      As reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 5597 is identical to Senate Bill No. 3801, which was also reported by the committee on this date.