ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1982

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: SEPTEMBER 19, 1996

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1982.

      This bill repeals P.L.1938, c.126 (C.37:1-20 through 26), which requires a blood test for syphilis before a couple can obtain a marriage license. The reasons which support the repeal of these sections include the fact that syphilis has a three-month incubation period during which time a test can give a false reading. In addition, the need for the test may be obsolete in that the original purpose was to protect an unborn child, and P.L.1938, c.41 (C.26:4-49.1 et seq.) requires that every pregnant woman be tested for syphilis.