SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4416

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 24, 2019

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee favorably reports Assembly Bill No. 4416 with committee amendments. 

      This bill would prohibit the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of products containing asbestos in New Jersey.  The prohibition in the bill would take effect on the first day of the fourth month after the bill is enacted into law.  The bill would also grant the DEP authority to enter, during normal business hours, and upon presentation of appropriate credentials, any retail establishment in order to determine compliance.  Under the bill, a person who violates this bill would be subject to a penalty of up to $2,500 for each offense.  The bill would also allow the DEP to seek an injunction against a violator.

      The committee amendment to the bill provides that nothing in the bill shall be construed to impose liability on any news media that accept or publish advertising for any product that would otherwise be subject to the provisions of the bill. 

      This bill, as amended and reported by the committee, is identical to Senate Bill No. 3262, as also amended and reported by the committee.