Bill > A5187

Introduced Session

This bill requires the New Jersey Transit Corporation (corporation) to establish a two-year pilot program, in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services, to provide an opioid antidote on every light rail train set that operates in the southern part of the State for the purpose of responding to an opioid overdose. Under the pilot program, the corporation is required to: (1) obtain a supply of an opioid antidote and distribute the supply in quantities and types deemed adequate by the corporation, in consultation with the Department of Health, to every light rail train set; (2) maintain one or more secure and easily accessible locations on each light rail train set which, when the storage is opened, is to send a silent alert to the train operator to notify the train operator of a potential opioid overdose; (3) stock each location with at least two doses of an opioid antidote; (4) ensure that the opioid antidote is appropriately maintained and made available at all times while the light rail train set is in operation and used for light rail service; and (5) mark the location of each supply of the opioid antidote with a prominent sign in both English and Spanish and include an informational card on how to recognize an opioid overdose, administer the opioid antidote, and contact emergency assistance. In addition, authorized employees of the corporation, contractors, and any other staff members on a light rail train set are required to perform routine checks on the opioid antidote locations; maintain a record of the opioid antidote supply on each light rail train set, the maintenance of each location, and any emergency uses of the opioid antidote; and conduct maintenance, as needed. Under the pilot program, an authorized employee, contractor, or any other staff member on light rail train sets is not required to receive specialized training on how to administer an opioid antidote or administer an opioid antidote in the event of an opioid overdose. The corporation is required to prepare a written report of the effectiveness of the pilot program and recommendations on whether to implement a permanent program Statewide and to submit the report to the Governor and Legislature within six months of the expiration of the two-year pilot program. This bill appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the corporation. The bill expires upon submission of the report.

Committee Categories

Anthony Verrelli (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee (on 01/16/2025)

Official Document