Bill

Bill > S2401


NJ S2401

NJ S2401
Regulates smoking in multiple dwellings; requires Commissioner of Community Affairs to promulgate construction standards for new multiple dwellings permitting smoking.


summary

Introduced
01/29/2024
In Committee
01/29/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would regulate smoking in both new and existing multiple dwellings. This legislation requires the Commissioner of Health to promulgate standards delineating where smoking is prohibited in multiple dwellings. The Commissioner of Community Affairs would be required to promulgate standards for the construction of new multiple dwellings to reduce the risks of second-hand smoke for nonsmokers. For new and existing multiple dwellings, this bill supplements the "New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act," P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-55 et seq.) to permit owners of multiple dwellings to prohibit smoking in individual dwelling units. If enacted, the legislation would require multiple dwelling owners to designate any units in which smoking is prohibited, and to maintain a floor plan of the smoking and nonsmoking units. That floor plan must accompany every new written lease or agreement for occupancy of a unit in a multiple dwelling. This bill also would prohibit the conduct of business in spaces in a multiple dwelling used exclusively for smoking. The bill would limit the size of all separate smoking rooms and require that the rooms have self-closing doors. The bill also requires that newly constructed multiple dwellings that permit smoking meet construction standards promulgated by the Commissioner of Community Affairs. At a minimum, these standards must include separate ventilation for smoking rooms and areas where smoking is permitted, and structural separation between interior spaces where smoking is prohibited and those where it is permitted. Separate smoking areas would also be required to maintain lower air pressure than surrounding areas to keep cigarette smoke from drifting into adjoining spaces.

AI Summary

This bill aims to regulate smoking in multiple dwellings, which are buildings with three or more dwelling units, by supplementing the existing "New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act." It requires owners of existing multiple dwellings to designate nonsmoking units and maintain a floor plan showing which units allow smoking and which do not, with this plan needing to be provided with every new lease. For newly constructed multiple dwellings, the Commissioner of Community Affairs must establish construction standards to minimize the risks of secondhand smoke for nonsmokers, including requirements for separate ventilation systems, structural separation between smoking and nonsmoking areas, and maintaining lower air pressure in smoking rooms to prevent smoke from drifting. The bill also prohibits conducting business in dedicated smoking rooms, limits their size, and mandates self-closing doors for these rooms, while also prohibiting smoking in common restrooms and maintenance areas in both new and existing buildings.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/29/2024)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...