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Bill > A5997
NJ A5997
NJ A5997Directs DEP to conduct study to evaluate banning use of paraquat dichloride in New Jersey.
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 directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to commence and complete a comprehensive study to review and evaluate whether paraquat dichloride should be prohibited from both consumer and commercial use in the State. The bill also directs the DEP to prepare and submit a written report, within two years of the effective date of the bill, to the Governor, and to the Legislature, that makes findings and recommendations that will include, at a minimum: the impact of paraquat dichloride on the environment and public health; policies implemented by other states to regulate the use of paraquat dichloride; and whether the use of paraquat dichloride should be prohibited from consumer and commercial use in the State. 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 directs the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct a comprehensive two-year study on paraquat dichloride, a toxic chemical used as an herbicide and desiccant. The study will evaluate whether the chemical should be banned for both consumer and commercial use in the state. The DEP must prepare a detailed report for the Governor and Legislature that examines three key areas: the potential environmental and public health impacts of paraquat dichloride, policies other states have implemented to regulate its use, and a recommendation on whether to prohibit the chemical in New Jersey. The bill defines paraquat dichloride by its Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CASRN 1910-42-5) and provides context about its risks, noting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has warned that ingestion can be fatal and that exposure can cause serious injuries to humans and harm to wildlife. The bill will automatically expire once the report is submitted to state leadership, effectively serving as a targeted research mandate to inform potential future regulatory action.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste 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/A5997 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5997_I1.HTM |
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