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Bill

S 4269

Clarifies the definition of persons with a disability for purposes of the definition of special populations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Julia Salazar

Prohibits targeted vapor-product ads to under-21s on NJ social media; imposes civil penalties up to $250,000 per violation, effective immediately.

REFERRED TO CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME AND CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · S 4269

Summary of Bill S 4269 (New Jersey)

Overview

Bill S 4269, introduced on March 17, 2025, aims to prohibit targeted advertising and promotion of vapor products to individuals under 21 on social media platforms. The bill defines key terms, creates a civil-penalty enforcement mechanism, and takes effect immediately upon enactment. The primary sponsor is Senator Julia Salazar. A companion bill is A 911, and related S 6977 exists from a prior session. The bill has been referred to the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction committee (with initial referrals noted as part of the legislative action record).

Key provisions

  • Targeted advertising prohibition (vapor products to under 21): It is an unlawful practice to advertise any vapor product or promote its use on any social media platform in a manner that targets individuals under 21 years of age.

  • Definitions (critical to scope):

    • Vapor product: Any device that may deliver aerosolized or vaporized substances to the user, including devices like e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, vape pens, and e-hookahs, along with any components, parts, or accessories, and any substance that may be aerosolized by such a device. The definition covers substances regardless of nicotine content. It excludes drugs, devices, or combinations approved by the U.S. FDA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
    • Social media platform: A public or semi-public internet-based service or application with users in New Jersey that allows users to create a public/semipublic profile, list social connections, and post content viewable by others. It does not include platforms that are solely email or direct-messaging services based on their existence alone.
    • Public or semi-public internet-based service or application: Excludes services used to facilitate communication within a business or enterprise among employees or affiliates, provided access is restricted to employees or affiliates.

  • Enforcement and penalties:

    • Violations can result in civil penalties not exceeding $250,000 per violation.
    • Enforcement is available through civil action under the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999 (P.E.L. 1999) with jurisdiction in the Superior Court and municipal court.

  • Effective date: The act is proposed to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact and who is affected

  • Who is affected:

    • Advertisers and marketers of vapor products.
    • Social media platforms operating in New Jersey, particularly those with users under 21 in the state.
    • Businesses relying on social media advertising that may target under-21 audiences.

  • Impact:

    • Aims to reduce youth exposure to vapor-product advertising on social media.
    • Creates a clear compliance framework and substantial penalties to deter targeted advertising to minors.
    • Requires platforms and advertisers to scrutinize advertising campaigns for age-targeting compliance in New Jersey.

Legislative context

  • Sponsor: Senator Julia Salazar (primary).
  • Related/companion measures: A 911 (companion bill); S 6977 (prior-session related bill).
  • Status and referrals: Referred to the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction committee (initially listed referrals; introduced March 17, 2025). The bill’s language is built around definitions and enforcement mechanisms rather than criminal penalties, focusing on civil enforcement.

Notes

  • The bill’s stated purpose centers on protecting individuals under 21 from being targeted by vapor-product advertising on social media, with a robust civil-penalty framework and immediate effectiveness upon enactment.

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

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