WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 1281

Prohibits sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain apparel and diaper products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.*

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Greenstein and 5 co-sponsors

New Jersey would ban selling apparel with intentionally added PFAS, with a two-year window for compliance enforced under existing consumer protection penalties.

Passed Senate (Passed Both Houses) (39-0)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1281

Summary of Bill S 1281 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Main purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to prohibit the sale, manufacture, and distribution of apparel in New Jersey that contains intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
  • It establishes a two-year compliance period after the act’s effective date and places enforcement within existing penalties for consumer protection/enforcement statutes.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition on PFAS in apparel

    • Beginning two years after the act’s effective date, no person may sell, offer for sale, manufacture, or distribute apparel in the state that contains intentionally added PFAS.
    • Violations are treated as violations of P.L.2025, c.202, with the full remedies and penalties authorized under that law (including Section 10/ penalties under C.56:3-63).

  • Definition of apparel and related terms

    • The bill adds a comprehensive definition of “Apparel,” covering items worn or used for regular wear, outdoor wear, sportswear, uniforms, swimwear, formal wear, and similar categories, including outdoor apparel designed for severe wet conditions.
    • The definition excludes personal protective equipment, U.S. military-exclusive clothing, and certain motorcycle/off-highway protective gear.
    • The bill provides detailed definitions for related terms such as “Carpet,” “Cookware,” “Cosmetic,” “Division” (Division of Consumer Affairs), “Fabric treatment,” “Food packaging,” “Intentionally added PFAS,” “Internal component,” “Manufacturer,” “Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” “Product,” “Product component,” and “Product label.”

  • Administrative and regulatory authority

    • The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) may adopt rules to implement provisions on PFAS (sections 12–14 referenced in the act’s framework).
    • The Division of Consumer Affairs may adopt rules to implement the apparel/PFAS provisions (sections 1–11 of the act and related cross-referenced sections).

  • Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately for procedural purposes, with the PFAS prohibition in apparel taking effect two years after the act’s effective date (pending legislation sets the exact effective timing).

Who or what would be affected

  • Affected entities: Manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and any other entities that sell or distribute apparel in New Jersey.
  • Scope of covered apparel: Broadly defined categories of clothing and outdoor apparel, including items like shirts, pants, dresses, activewear, uniforms, swimwear, and protective outdoor gear (with certain exclusions as noted).
  • Exclusions: Personal protective equipment, clothing exclusive to the U.S. military, and equipment/protective apparel for motorcycle/off-highway vehicle operation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Compliance timeline: Two-year grace period from the act’s effective date before the PFAS prohibition on apparel becomes enforceable.
  • Enforcement mechanism: Violations are enforceable under the broader penalties and remedies of P.L.2025, c.202 (the related overarching PFAS act).
  • Rulemaking: DEP and the Division of Consumer Affairs are empowered to adopt implementing regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to operationalize the bill’s provisions.
  • Current status and actions:
    • Reported out of Assembly Committee with amendments (June 4, 2026).
    • Passed by the Senate (38-0) on March 23, 2026.
    • Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs; pending in committee as of the last update.

Practical impact

  • The bill would spur the removal of intentionally added PFAS from apparel in the New Jersey market within two years, affecting manufacturers, importers, and retailers by requiring compliance with PFAS-free labeling and product composition standards.
  • It emphasizes consumer protection and environmental health by targeting PFAS in consumer goods, aligning with broader PFAS regulation trends.
  • Implementation will depend on final regulatory rules and any clarifications from the cross-referenced statutes.

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

Sign in to ask a question.