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Bill

A 1851

Prohibits use of paper receipts containing bisphenol-A or bisphenol-S; provides for phased-in prohibition on use of all paper receipts; authorizes continued use of electronic receipts.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey would phase out all paper receipts, banning those printed with BPA or BPS and shifting retailers to provide electronic receipts only, with penalties for violations.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1851

Overview

  • Bill: A1851 (New Jersey)
  • Session: 222nd Legislature
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title: Prohibits use of paper receipts containing bisphenol-A or bisphenol-S; provides for phased-in prohibition on use of all paper receipts; authorizes continued use of electronic receipts
  • Introduced: January 2026; Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
  • Primary sponsors: Assemblyman James J. Kennedy; Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese
  • Co-sponsor: Assemblywoman Annette Quijano

Main purpose and intent

  • To reduce environmental impact and protect public health by eliminating the use of paper receipts that contain BPA or BPS, and ultimately ban all paper receipts in New Jersey.
  • To encourage and preserve the use of electronic receipts as a safe alternative.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 3):
    • Electronic receipt: receipts or business records delivered via email, text, or other digital means.
    • Retailer: any entity selling merchandise at retail in the state.
    • Service provider: any entity providing services to consumers in the state.
    • Consumer: person purchasing goods or services in New Jersey.
    • Business or banking record: receipts or related documents (including currency/credit/debit slips) tied to purchases or transactions.
  • Prohibitions (Section 4):
    • Immediately upon the act’s effective date: no retailer or service provider may provide or use paper receipts (or related coupons/advertisements) printed on paper with BPA or BPS added during manufacturing.
    • First day of the 13th month after the act’s effective date: no retailer or service provider may provide or use any paper receipt or business/banking record printed on paper (even without specifying BPA/BPS), effectively phasing out all paper receipts.
    • Electronic receipts are expressly allowed; no prohibition on providing electronic receipts.
  • Penalties (Section 4b):
    • Civil penalty for violations: $250 to $500 per offense.
    • For continuing violations, each day counts as a separate offense.
    • Enforcement can occur via summary civil action under the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999, or through a court with injunctive relief.
  • Enforcement and regulation (Sections 4c, 5):
    • The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), counties, municipalities, or certified County Environmental Health Act entities may file civil actions for penalties or injunctive relief.
    • DEP is authorized to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the act (Administrative Procedure Act process).
  • Effective date (Section 6):
    • The act takes effect 45 days after enactment, with the DEP allowed to begin anticipatory administrative actions to implement provisions prior to the effective date.

Who and what would be affected

  • Retailers and service providers in New Jersey that issue receipts or other business/banking records printed on paper.
  • Consumers who receive receipts at point of sale.
  • Workers who handle receipts (relevant to health concerns about BPA/BPS exposure).
  • Regulatory and enforcement bodies (DEP, local governments) responsible for implementation and penalties.
  • Entities capable of issuing electronic receipts (emphasized as a permissible alternative).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Immediate prohibition against BPA/BPS-laden paper receipts upon enactment.
  • Blanket prohibition on all paper receipts begins on the first day of the 13th month after enactment.
  • Electronic receipts remain permissible throughout.
  • Violations trigger civil penalties, with daily penalties for ongoing violations.
  • DEP would develop implementing regulations; anticipatory action allowed before the effective date.

Notable context and rationale (as stated in bill text)

  • Environmental and health rationale: BPA and BPS are linked to health issues; paper receipt production contributes to environmental impacts (deforestation, water use, solid waste, carbon emissions).
  • The bill cites estimates of the environmental footprint of paper receipt production and notes the prevalence of BPA/BPS in receipts.
  • Highlights examples of industry shifts toward BPA/BPS-free or digital receipts (e.g., CVS transition mentioned in the bill).

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

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