Directs the commissioner of health to promulgate and implement rules authorizing the use of automated patient dispensing and storage systems

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michaelle Solages

The bill would prohibit all consumer and commercial uses of paraquat dichloride within two years and require worker protection at facilities using it.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Summary of Bill A 5999 (Introduced Version)

Note on title discrepancy: The bill information at the top mentions a title concerning automated patient dispensing and storage systems. The introduced version provided below concerns paraquat dichloride regulation. The text and provisions reflect paraquat regulation rather than automated dispensing.

Overview

A 5999, as introduced, would require the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt and implement rules within two years that prohibit all consumer and commercial uses of paraquat dichloride and mandate protective measures to safeguard workers at facilities that use the chemical. The act would take effect immediately upon enactment. Some uses preempted by federal law under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) would be exempt.

Key Provisions

Definitions

Paraquat dichloride is defined as the organic compound also known as methyl viologen (CASRN 1910-42-5).
“Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number” (CASRN) is defined for context.

Rulemaking by DEP

Within two years after the act’s effective date, DEP must adopt rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to prohibit all consumer and commercial uses of paraquat dichloride.
DEP must also implement measures to protect workers at facilities that utilize paraquat dichloride.

Exemptions

Any uses of paraquat dichloride that are preempted by the federal TSCA (15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.) are exempt from these provisions.

Effective Date

The act takes effect immediately.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

Legislative Action: Referred to Higher Education; later listed as introduced in the Assembly on November 17, 2025, with referral to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee.

Compliance Window: DEP has up to two years from the act’s effective date to promulgate the prohibited-use rules and worker-protection requirements.

Affected Parties and Impacts

State Agency: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would lead the rulemaking and enforcement.

Businesses and Facilities: Owners/operators that utilize paraquat dichloride would be required to implement protective measures for workers and would be subject to the prohibition on consumer and commercial uses.

Workers: The primary beneficiaries are workers exposed to paraquat dichloride; the bill would impose protections to reduce exposure risk.

Public and Environment: Potentially reduced risks to bystanders, non-target organisms, and ecosystems from drift and exposure, aligning with EPA concerns about paraquat’s toxicity.

Legislative History and Context

Sponsor: Michaelle C. Solages (primary).

Related Bills: S 9047 (prior-session); A 5640 (prior-session).

Rationale notes (from the bill text): Paraquat dichloride is highly toxic; ingestion can be fatal; skin/eye contact can cause serious injuries; there are risks from drift affecting bystanders and wildlife.

Bottom Line

If enacted, A 5999 would phase out consumer and commercial use of paraquat dichloride in this state within two years and establish worker-protection requirements for facilities that continue to handle the chemical, with exemptions for uses already preempted by federal law.