Bill

Bill > A758


NJ A758

NJ A758
Requires that warning notices regarding certain health risks of alcohol consumption be reviewed and updated.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires the Commissioner of the Department of Health to update the warning notice regarding the adverse effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy within six months of the effective date of this bill, and at least every five years thereafter, to reflect the most recent information available concerning the health risks of alcohol consumption, including the consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure and the link between alcohol consumption and certain cancers. Under current law, all Class C (retail sales) and club alcoholic beverage license holders, except for plenary retail transit license holders, are to prominently post warnings prepared by the Department of Health about the adverse effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy in service areas and certain restrooms on their premises. The warning notice is intended to warn patrons regarding the health risks associated with the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. This bill requires the commissioner to update the warning notice in consultation with appropriate medical and scientific experts, appropriate professional organizations, and advocacy groups. According to the sponsor, the current warning notice regarding the health dangers of alcohol consumption has not been updated in over a decade. In that time, scientific and medical understanding has increased substantially. The sponsor provides that it is in the public's best interest to have up-to-date information on health and safety issues.

AI Summary

This bill requires the Commissioner of the Department of Health to update and periodically review warning notices posted in establishments that sell alcohol, such as bars and restaurants (holders of Class C licenses, excluding plenary retail transit licenses, and club licenses), to inform patrons about the health risks of alcohol consumption. Specifically, within six months of the bill's enactment, the Commissioner must update the existing warning about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, which can cause birth defects and intellectual disabilities like Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, to include the latest scientific information on prenatal alcohol exposure and the connection between alcohol and certain cancers. This updated notice will be developed in consultation with medical experts, professional organizations, and advocacy groups. Furthermore, the Commissioner must review and update this warning notice at least every five years thereafter to ensure it reflects the most current public health information, as the current notice has not been updated in over a decade despite significant advancements in scientific understanding.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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