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Bill

A 2354

Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rosy Bagolie and 33 co-sponsors

The bill would remove the smoking exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities, making smoking prohibited throughout these venues.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2354

Bill Summary — New Jersey Assembly Bill A-2354 (Session 222)

Title: Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities

Jurisdiction: New Jersey

Proposed by: General Assembly (Introduced Jan 13, 2026)

Sponsor(s): Includes a broad bipartisan list of co-sponsors (notable names listed in bill)

Status: Introduced and referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill would amend the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act to remove a current exemption that allows smoking within the interior perimeters of casinos and casino simulcasting facilities.
  • Goal: Ensure smoking is prohibited in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities, thereby protecting workers and patrons from secondhand smoke exposure.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Amends Section 5 of P.L.2005, c.383 (N.J.S.A. 26:3D-59) to modify the list of exemptions from the Smoke-Free Air Act.
  • New prohibition: The exemptions currently allowing smoking inside casino perimeters and casino simulcasting facilities would be deleted. Consequently, smoking would be prohibited throughout these facilities, including areas previously deemed permissible for smoking.
  • Retained exemptions (as currently listed, with amendments pending in this bill):
    • a. Certain cigar bars/lounges meeting specific historical income criteria (15%+ of annual gross income from tobacco on-site sales and humidor rentals, with registration and renewal conditions).
    • b. Tobacco retail establishments and dedicated smoking areas within them.
    • c. Tobacco businesses involving testing of cigar/pipe tobacco as part of manufacturing/importing/distributing processes.
    • d. Private homes, private residences, and private automobiles.
    • f. Research laboratories approved by the Department of Health for indoor smoking related to medical research under strict controls.
    • g. Golf courses.
    • h. Designated smoking areas on municipal/county beaches (up to 15% of the beach area).
    • i. Renewal provisions for previously registered cigar bars/lounges (with specific lapse and renewal criteria).
  • The amendment references and clarifies the source statute language (including prior amendments such as P.L.2018, c.158, s.1), and includes conditions for registration renewal where applicable.

Note: The text indicates a deletion of the specific “perimeter” smoking area language for casinos and simulcasting facilities, effectively removing the exception that currently allows smoking in those gambling venues.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Casinos in New Jersey and casino simulcasting facilities:
    • Under current law, there were pockets within casino perimeters where smoking could occur. The bill would remove these pockets, making casinos and simulcasting facilities fully smoke-free.
  • Casino workers and patrons:
    • Expected protective impact from reduced exposure to secondhand smoke; aligns with public health intent cited in the bill’s statement.
  • Other exempted categories (as listed in the bill):
    • Cigar bars/lounges with qualifying income/registration history
    • Tobacco retailers and designated smoking areas within retailer premises
    • Tobacco industry testing facilities
    • Private residences, vehicles, etc.
    • Medical/research facilities with IRB approval
    • Golf courses
    • Designated beach smoking areas
    • These exemptions remain in place under the amended framework, subject to the specified conditions.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: The act states it shall take effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Legislative Process: Introduced Jan 13, 2026 and referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee. Further committee action or floor votes would determine final passage and potential enactment.
  • Relationship to Existing Law: Amends P.L.2005, c.383 (the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act), clarifying and narrowing smoking exemptions within gaming venues.

5) Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public Health:
    • Strengthens protections against secondhand smoke for casino workers and patrons.
    • Aligns with studies cited in the bill’s accompanying statement about elevated health risks in casino environments.
  • Economic/Operational:
    • Casinos may need to adjust air quality management and signage; potential costs associated with enforcing a smoke-free environment inside casino facilities.
  • Legal/Compliance:
    • Requires redeployment of enforcement resources to ensure compliance within casino interiors.
    • Confirms consistency with other smoking-related exemptions to avoid unintended loopholes.

This summary provides a concise overview of the bill’s aims, main changes, affected entities, and key timing considerations based on the current text. For stakeholders, a deeper reading of the exact amended statutory language and any fiscal notes or regulatory impact statements (if issued) would be advisable.

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

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