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S 4855

Prohibits recurring campaign donations without affirmative consent

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Skoufis

Prohibits assembling, selling, using, charging, or storing lithium-ion batteries that use cells from used storage batteries for powered mobility devices, starting one year after en

REFERRED TO ELECTIONS
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4855

Summary of S 4855

Note: The bill’s introduced content focuses on environmental protections related to lithium-ion batteries used in powered mobility devices, not the campaign-donation topic mentioned in the title. The summary below reflects the introduced bill’s substantive provisions.

Overview

S 4855 would regulate the use, sale, and storage of lithium-ion batteries in powered mobility devices (such as low-speed electric bicycles and scooters) and require enhanced enforcement and reporting mechanisms. It creates a one-year transition period after enactment before certain prohibitions take effect, and assigns enforcement to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and county environmental health entities, with fire-inspection integration.

What the bill would do

  • Prohibit, beginning one year after the act’s effective date:
    • Assembling, reconditioning, or repairing a lithium-ion battery using cells removed from used storage batteries for powered mobility devices.
    • Selling, offering for sale, or distributing a lithium-ion battery that uses cells removed from used storage batteries for powered mobility devices.
    • Using a lithium-ion battery that uses cells removed from used storage batteries in a powered mobility device.
  • Prohibit charging or storing a lithium-ion battery for a powered mobility device in specified locations, including:
    • In common areas, basements, attics, or below-ground garages of multi-family properties.
    • Utility rooms, closets, underground garages, or exit-related spaces of commercial buildings on business or vacant properties.

Key definitions (as used in the act)

  • Department: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
  • Lithium-ion battery: Standard lithium-based batteries used in various devices.
  • Powered mobility device: Includes low-speed electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, low-speed electric scooters, and motorized scooters (excluding wheelchairs or disability devices).
  • Storage battery: Battery or cell used for storing electrical energy.

Department responsibilities and enforcement

  • DEP must develop a complaint process accessible on its website for violations.
  • DEP must receive notifications from licensed fire inspectors or fire officials about violations observed during fire inspections.
  • DEP will monitor complaints/notifications and take action to ensure compliance.
  • Violations can be enforced through civil penalties; a written warning is issued for the first violation, and penalties can be up to $2,000 for the second and each subsequent violation.
  • Each noncompliant battery is a separate offense.
  • Enforcement is by DEP and entities certified under the County Environmental Health Act.

Fire inspections

  • All fire inspections at multi-family residential and commercial properties must include an inspection for proper charging and storage of lithium-ion batteries for powered mobility devices.
  • If a violation is detected during a fire inspection, the inspector must immediately notify the DEP.

Effective date and timeline

  • The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.
  • However, the prohibitions described above (assembly, sale, use, charging, and storage in specified locations) would begin one year after the act’s effective date.

Legislative context

  • Status: Referred to Elections (Senate) and introduced November 10, 2025.
  • Primary sponsor: Senator James Skoufis.
  • Related bills: S 8696, S 3532, A 3336 (companion).

This bill aims to reduce safety and environmental risks associated with reused lithium-ion cells in mobility devices by banning certain practices after a transition period, mandating enforcement, and integrating battery safety checks into routine fire inspections.

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

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