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A 1463

Abolishes citizens arrests; repealer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Harvey Epstein and 5 co-sponsors

Establishes state indoor battery storage safety standards for energy storage systems and requires incorporation into the state building code, with coordination among agencies.

REPORTED REFERRED TO RULES
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Bill Summary · A 1463

Summary: New Jersey Assembly Bill A 1463 (Introduced 2024)

Note: The bill’s title references “Abolishes citizens arrests; repealer,” but the introduced version content provided concerns indoor storage standards for energy storage system batteries. The following summary focuses on the substantive battery-storage provisions as described.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a process to develop and adopt standards for the safe indoor storage of batteries that are part of a building or facility’s energy storage system.
  • Incorporate these storage safety standards into New Jersey’s State Uniform Construction Code (SUCC), thereby codifying safe storage practices within the state-building code framework.

Key provisions

  • Section 1a — Standards development

    • The Commissioner of Community Affairs (in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities) would adopt a set of indoor storage standards for batteries used in energy storage systems.
    • Eligible battery types (not limited to) include:
    • lithium-ion
    • nickel-cadmium
    • nickel-metal hydride
    • flow or redox flow
    • lead acid
    • The standards to be promulgated may include, but are not limited to:
    • Specific indoor storage safety requirements for the batteries
    • Requirements to communicate with the local fire official or code enforcement official where the batteries will be stored
    • Safe disposal procedures for batteries developed in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

  • Section 1b — Specific components of the standards

    • The standards must address indoor storage safety specifics, coordination with municipal fire/code officials, and disposal procedures for batteries (in consultation with DEP).

  • Section 2 — Incorporation into the SUCC

    • Once the battery storage standards are adopted, they would be incorporated into the State Uniform Construction Code Act (the SUCC).

  • Section 3 — Effective date

    • The act would take effect immediately.

Implementation and impact

  • Administration and collaboration
    • Key agencies: Department of Community Affairs (through the Commissioner) and Board of Public Utilities; DEP for disposal procedures.
  • Scope of impact
    • Buildings and facilities with energy storage systems employing the listed battery types.
    • Local governments, fire officials, and building/code enforcement offices would be involved in implementing and enforcing the standards.
    • Battery manufacturers and installers may need to ensure designs and practices meet the new indoor storage standards.

Status and timeline

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Legislative actions:
    • January 9, 2025: Referred to Codes ( Assembly perspective)
    • May 28, 2025: Referred to Rules (listed as REPORTED REFERRED TO RULES; duplication in record)
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary: Pamela J. Hunter
    • Cosponsors: Jo Anne Simon, Zohran Mamdani, Phil Steck, Harvey Epstein, Anna Kelles
  • Related/companion bills: S 5138 (companion), A 6054, A 507 (prior-session)

Potential effects and considerations

  • Safety improvements for indoor battery storage, reducing fire and environmental risk through standardized procedures.
  • Clearer communication channels between storage sites, local fire/code officials, and state agencies.
  • Enhanced disposal procedures aligned with environmental protections in consultation with DEP.
  • Possible cost and compliance implications for building owners, developers, and operators of energy storage systems as new standards are developed and codified.

Note on labeling

  • The bill’s listed title appears inconsistent with the substantive content (battery storage safety standards). Readers should verify the bill’s official title and description in the current legislative docket for any corrections or clarifications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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