Bill > S3195

This bill establishes new regulations for food service businesses in New Jersey regarding single-use utensils and condiments. Specifically, full-service restaurants with on-site seating for 10 or more customers must provide reusable utensils for on-site dining and require customers to return these utensils after use. Casual dining establishments may only provide single-use utensils or condiments upon customer request. Online ordering platforms must default to "no utensils or condiments" and allow customers to request them explicitly. The bill introduces penalties for non-compliance, starting with a warning for the first offense, followed by escalating financial penalties for subsequent violations. Certain entities are exempt from these regulations, including schools, healthcare facilities, and correctional facilities. The Department of Environmental Protection is also required to develop a 180-day education campaign to inform citizens about the environmental and financial benefits of reducing single-use utensils and condiments. Additionally, the bill preempts municipalities from creating their own regulations on this matter, ensuring a consistent statewide approach to reducing single-use utensil and condiment waste.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3195