NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A2078REVISED 2/12/2025
SPONSOR: Paulin TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring the
immunization of certain post-secondary students against hepatitis B
PURPOSE:
To safeguard public health by ensuring that a high percentage of postse-
condary students are immunized against hepatitis B.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends paragraph d of subdivision 1 of section 2165 of the
public health law. Adds hepatitis B to the list of immunizations
required for postsecondary students.
Section 2: Sets Effective Date.
JUSTIFICATION:
The CDC estimates the actual number of acute hepatitis B cases was close
to 14,000 in 2020. Many more people (about 880,000) are estimated to be
living with chronic, long-term hepatitis B. The CDC recommends all
infants, children, and adults get the hepatitis B vaccine. At least ten
different states in the U.S. - among which California and Florida -
require hepatitis B vaccine for college entry. This contributes to
generating a safer environment for students attending schools and living
in close contact.
Compulsory immunization against hepatitis B for college students will
reduce hospitalizations and deaths from hepatitis B, saving lives and
saving resources and funding for healthcare costs.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A.9440 of 2024, referred to health. Same as S.8417 of 2024, referred to
health.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addi-
tion, amendment, and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for
the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to
be made and completed on or before such date.
