Bill
Bill > S76
NJ S76
NJ S76Restricts phosphorus content and requires labelling thereof for household cleansing products.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would restrict the amount of phosphorus in household cleansing products and require wrappers and containers for such products to include certain information on phosphorous content. The bill would prohibit the distribution, sale, or offer for sale in the State of any household cleansing product unless the product wrapper or container is labeled in accordance with the requirements of the bill. The bill would require a wrapper or container of a household cleansing product to list the percentage by weight of phosphorous in the container and the weight, in grams per recommended use level, of phosphorous, and conform to any other requirements established by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill would also generally prohibit any household cleansing product from being distributed, sold, or offered for sale in the State if it contains a phosphorus compound other than trace concentrations. However, a household cleansing product could be distributed, sold, or offered for sale in the State if it contains a phosphorus compound not more than: 0.5 percent by weight, for a product used in dishwashers; and 8.7 percent by weight for a product used in food and beverage processing equipment and dairy equipment. A person could distribute, sell, or offer for sale existing stock of household cleansing products only for a period of up to one year beyond the date of enactment of this bill into law. A person who violates the labeling requirement or sale restrictions, set forth in section 2 and 3 of the bill, would be subject to a penalty of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 for each offense. If the violation is of a continuing nature, each day during which it continues would constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. Under the bill, the DEP would be authorized to adopt rules and regulations to require manufacturers of household cleansing products to submit certain information to the DEP, which would also be posted on the DEP website.
AI Summary
This bill restricts the amount of phosphorus allowed in household cleansing products and mandates specific labeling requirements for their wrappers and containers. "Household cleansing product" is defined broadly to include soaps and detergents used for domestic or commercial cleaning, but excludes items like foods, drugs, and insecticides. The bill prohibits the sale of these products unless their packaging clearly states the percentage by weight of phosphorus and the weight of phosphorus per recommended use, with additional requirements to be set by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Generally, products with phosphorus compounds beyond trace amounts are banned, with exceptions for dishwasher products (up to 0.5% phosphorus by weight) and products for food, beverage, and dairy equipment (up to 8.7% phosphorus by weight). Existing stock of products can be sold for up to one year after the bill becomes law. Violators face penalties of $500 to $1,000 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation counting as a separate offense. The DEP is also empowered to adopt rules requiring manufacturers to submit product information, including research on health and environmental effects, for public posting on the DEP website, with exceptions for trade secrets.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S76 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/76_I1.HTM |
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