A 2291 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes State stockpile of medicine and medical supplies; makes appropriation.

This bill creates a statewide stockpile of essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies to be managed by New Jersey's Department of Health and State Office of Emergency Management. The stockpile, funded by state appropriations, will be used during emergencies like natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or public health crises. Key provisions require the state to establish distribution guidelines prioritizing healthcare providers in rural and medically underserved areas, with supplies managed through contracts that may include vendor-managed "virtually sequestered" inventories to prevent expiration. The bill mandates demand planning to determine stockpile contents and quantities based on emergency scenarios.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jun 18, 2026

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What changed between versions

Technical Review Of Prefiled Bill → Introduced · 4 edits · Jan 13, 2026

MODERATE

The bill moved from Technical Review status back to Introduced status, two sponsors were removed (Assemblyman Verrelli and Assemblyman Sampson), and a descriptive Statement section was added summarizing the bill's provisions. No substantive policy language in the operative text was changed.

SCOPE

Assemblyman Anthony S. Verrelli (District 11, Monmouth) was removed as a sponsor of the bill.

Assemblyman Sampson was removed from the co-sponsor list, leaving only Assemblyman Azzariti Jr.

TECHNICAL

The bill status changed from 'As reported by the Assembly Health Committee with technical review' to 'Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel,' indicating it was sent back for further review rather than advancing.

A Statement section was added at the end of the document summarizing the bill's key provisions, including the requirement for the Department of Health to establish a statewide strategic essential buffer stock for emergency preparedness and drug shortage prevention, definitions, contracting authority with private entities, demand planning requirements, and a General Fund appropriation.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 18, 2026

Committee

Reported and Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee

lower

Jan 13, 2026

Introduced

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors