New Jersey

Legislation*

*legislation that was introduced, but not passed

2009

N.J. A.C.R. 219 - Amended May 18, 2009

Designates April 2010 as Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Awareness Month in New Jersey. The resolution highlights the high mortality rate of these cancers, especially among African-American males and other minority groups, and emphasizes that early detection significantly increases survival rates. It recognizes the efforts of the Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Workgroup and the Oral Cancer Consortium in providing free public screenings and education across the state. The resolution calls on the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging observance through appropriate activities.

2014

2014 N.J. A.B. 305 - Introduced January 16, 2014*

This bill would have prohibited the use of smokeless tobacco in any area of public school buildings or grounds in New Jersey. It defines smokeless tobacco use as inhalation, chewing, or oral placement of snuff, chewing tobacco, or similar substances. The bill includes findings that smokeless tobacco increases the risk of oral cancer, esophageal cancer, gum disease, and nicotine addiction. Signs prohibiting use must be posted at public entrances to school buildings, and fines for violations range from $250 to $1,000. It was previously introduced in 2012.

2024

N.J. A.B. 1151 – Introduced January 9, 2024*

This bill requires health insurers and state health benefits programs in New Jersey to provide coverage for expenses incurred in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of lymphedema, when determined medically necessary by a physician. The legislative statement includes oral cancer as one of several cancers that may cause lymphedema, alongside breast cancer, melanoma, gynecologic cancer, head and neck cancer, and sarcoma. Previous iterations were introduced as early as 2013.