FISCAL NOTE TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 138

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: DECEMBER 29, 1997

      Assembly Bill No. 138 of 1996 amends P.L.1986, c.134 (C.26:2N-1 et seq.), which establishes requirements governing the administration of pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine in New Jersey, to expand its provisions to cover other childhood immunizations required or recommended by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), such as those for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, rubella, polio and mumps. The bill directs the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services to prepare and make available to all health care providers and parents and guardians a pamphlet which explains the benefits and possible adverse reactions to childhood immunizations, including a summary of the exemptions from the immunization requirements. The legislation broadens the exemption from vaccination requirements to include conflicts with "the religious tenets or practices of, or the philosophical principles adhered to, by the parent or guardian."

Agency Comments:

      The DHSS has estimated the cost of this legislation at $1,083,000, $1,089,000, and $1,094,000, respectively, in each of the next three fiscal years. Approximately $1.03 million of these estimated costs involve the preparation and distribution of materials required by the bill, with the remaining costs estimated for the salary and wage expenses of two additional personnel. These estimates are based on the preparation and distribution of approximately 6.6 million pamphlets per year.

Office of Legislative Services Comments:

      The Office of Legislative Services concurs that the estimated costs appear reasonable based on the number of materials to be prepared and distributed. DHSS costs may be reduced by using existing published materials concerning the benefits and possible adverse reactions to childhood immunizations.

This fiscal note has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980, c.67.