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 John McKeon

The bill bans BPA/BPS in paper receipts and gradually shifts to electronic receipts, allowing digital alternatives for transactional documentation.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee

Summary of Bill S 4496 (New Jersey, Session 222)

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to reduce consumer exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA) and bisphenol-S (BPS) by prohibiting the use of paper receipts that contain these chemicals.

It provides for a phased-in prohibition on the use of all paper receipts that contain BPA or BPS.

It authorizes the continued use of electronic receipts to meet consumer transaction documentation needs.

Key provisions and changes

Prohibition on paper receipts:

Paper receipts that contain BPA or BPS are prohibited from being given to consumers.

Phased-in approach:

The bill outlines a timeline to gradually extend the prohibition to all paper receipts, presumably expanding to additional receipt types or retailers over time (specific milestones and dates would be defined in the text of the bill).

Electronic receipts:

Retailers are authorized to provide electronic receipts (e.g., via email or mobile apps) as an alternative to printed receipts.
The bill reinforces the availability of electronic receipt options to satisfy transactional documentation requirements.

Scope:

Applies to entities that issue paper receipts in consumer transactions within New Jersey.
Likely covers a broad range of retailers, from large chains to small businesses, subject to regulatory implementation details.

Enforcement and implementation:

The bill would establish regulatory or administrative mechanisms to enforce the prohibition and to oversee the phased transition.
It may include penalties, compliance timelines, and potential exemptions or phased exemptions for certain small businesses or specific industries (exact details depend on the bill’s text).

Who would be affected

Retailers and businesses that issue paper receipts to customers.

Consumers who receive receipts; the change would increase access to or preference for electronic receipts.

Possible impact on businesses that rely heavily on paper-based customer interactions, who would need to adapt systems to generate electronic receipts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill sets forth a phased-in timeline for the prohibition on BPA/BPS-containing receipts, with successive milestones leading to the full prohibition on all paper receipts.

Accompanying regulations and guidance would be expected to accompany the phased rollout, including compliance deadlines and any exceptions.

The bill designates a sponsor (Co-sponsor: John McKeon) and would proceed through New Jersey legislative processes, including committees and votes before potential enactment.

Potential impact and considerations

Health and safety: Aims to reduce exposure to BPA and BPS in everyday consumer products.

Environmental impact: May reduce paper waste associated with receipts and encourage digital record-keeping.

Small business considerations: Phased timelines and support for electronic receipt systems could affect implementation costs and operations.

Consumer access: Electronic receipts can improve accessibility and record-keeping but may raise considerations for those without easily available digital access.

Note: Specific dates, phased milestones, exemptions, penalties, and regulatory details would be found in the full text of the bill. This summary captures the overarching objectives and structural changes proposed by S 4496.