ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 547

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: DECEMBER 16, 1996

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 547.

      This bill authorizes the Public Health Council to regulate sanitary conditions: in tattoo parlors; in the conduct of body piercing; and in the conduct of cosmetic tattooing.

      This bill is intended to strengthen efforts to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, including HIV (the virus that is believed to cause AIDS) and hepatitis, which may be transmitted during the tattooing procedure.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 1996-97 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.