summary
Introduced
11/17/2025
11/17/2025
In Committee
11/17/2025
11/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would prohibit certain uses of paraquat dichloride in the State. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection, within two years of the bill's effective date, to adopt rules and regulations which would prohibit all consumer and commercial uses of paraquat dichloride and require owners and operators of facilities that utilize paraquat dichloride to appropriate measures to protect the facilities' workers from exposure to paraquat dichloride. Paraquat dichloride is a toxic chemical used as a contact herbicide and desiccant. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that ingestion of paraquat dichloride can be fatal and skin or eye contact can cause serious lasting injuries. The EPA also found that there are potential risks from spraying drifts containing paraquat dichloride to bystanders as well as mammals, birds, terrestrial invertebrates, terrestrial plants, and algae.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits the use of paraquat dichloride, a toxic herbicide and desiccant, by directing the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to adopt regulations within two years of the bill's effective date. The regulations will completely ban all consumer and commercial uses of paraquat dichloride and require facilities that currently use the chemical to implement appropriate worker protection measures. The bill defines key terms such as "Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number" (CASRN) and specifically identifies paraquat dichloride as the organic compound also known as methyl viologen with the CASRN 1910-42-5. The legislation provides an exemption for uses of paraquat dichloride that are preempted under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. This proposed legislation aims to protect public and worker health, given the chemical's known risks of fatal toxicity if ingested and potential for causing serious injuries through skin or eye contact, as well as its environmental risks to various organisms.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 11/17/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5999 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5999_I1.HTM |
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