ssssssSENATE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3152

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 10, 2020

      The Senate Higher Education Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3152.

      This bill requires the State to purchase, in bulk, personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 testing kits.  The testing kits would include antibody testing kits and nasal swab testing kits, among other things.  The State would not be limited to awarding contracts to one bidder.  If it is deemed advantageous, the State may purchase from more than one bidder to fill the necessary demand for PPE and COVID-19 testing kits.  Public and independent institutions of higher education throughout the State would then be allowed to purchase the PPE and testing kits from the State.  Under the bill, the Commissioner of Health would be required to coordinate the purchase of PPE and testing kits by the institutions of higher education.