NJ A4075

Authorizes the New Jersey Department of Health to seek participation in the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), a technical collaboration for detecting and responding to disease outbreaks globally

Permits the department to communicate with WHO, submit applications, designate contact points, participate in trainings and information-sharing, and collaborate with federal, state, local, academic, and nonprofit partners on outbreak preparedness

Explicitly states participation does not establish WHO membership for New Jersey, cannot conflict with federal law or the U.S. Constitution, and cannot require disclosure of confidential health information or expenditure beyond appropriated funds

Requires the Commissioner of Health to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months describing actions taken, participation status, benefits, challenges, resource needs, and recommendations for further action including other international public health initiatives

References the January 2025 executive order withdrawing the U.S. from WHO (effective January 22, 2026) as context for New Jersey seeking independent engagement with international health networks