ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 223

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 6, 2022

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 223.

      Under current law (P.L.2021, c.103), the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended on July 4, 2021, except that certain administrative orders, directives, and waivers issued in response to the public health emergency were extended until January 11, 2022.  However, P.L.2021, c.103, as amended, also provides that following the termination of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the Governor must notify the Legislature by January 1, 2022 if the Governor determines that it is necessary or appropriate to continue for an additional 90 days beyond January 11, 2022 any administrative order, directive, or waiver issued by the head of a State agency that relied on the existence of the public health emergency.  Following the modification, the administrative orders, directives, or waivers would be extended for an additional 45 days if each House of the Legislature passes a concurrent resolution to continue the administrative order, directive, or waiver.

      Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in this State, the Legislature concurs with the Governor’s recommendation that certain administrative orders, directives, and waivers issued in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency be extended and remain in full force and effect until February 25, 2022.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      This bill is not certified as requiring a fiscal note.