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Bill

A 5521

Relates to undisposed cases

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chantel Jackson

Requires updated, prominently posted alcohol health warnings on licensed premises, focusing on prenatal risks and cancer links, with updates every five years.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · A 5521

Legislative Bill Summary: A 5521 (Relates to undisposed cases)

Overview

  • Bill number: A 5521
  • Title: Relates to undisposed cases
  • Purpose: Update and strengthen the state’s warning notices about health risks related to alcohol consumption, with emphasis on prenatal exposure and cancer risks. The Department of Health (DOH) would develop and periodically update the warning notice, in consultation with medical and scientific experts.
  • Status: Referred to Codes (also noted as referred to Assembly Health; introduced April 10, 2025)
  • Sponsor: Chantel Jackson (primary)

What the bill would do (Key Provisions)

  • Amends Section 1 of P.L.1993, c.43 (C.33:1-12a) to require warning notices to be posted on premises with certain alcohol licenses.
  • Applicable licensees: Class C license holders (retail sales) and club licenses, with the exception of plenary retail transit license holders.
  • Location for notices: Prominently posted in service areas and on a wall, towel dispenser, or other appropriate location in any public restroom on the licensed premises.
  • Content focus: Warn patrons about health risks of alcohol consumption, including the adverse effects of drinking during pregnancy (fetal harm, birth defects, low birth weight, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) and, more broadly, the link between alcohol consumption and certain cancers.
  • Development and update schedule:
    • Within six months after the bill’s effective date, the DOH commissioner must update the warning notice to reflect the most current information, developed in consultation with medical and scientific experts, professional organizations, and advocacy groups.
    • Not less than once every five years after the initial update, the commissioner must review the medical literature and update the notice if needed, and continue to revise at five-year intervals as necessary.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately.

Who is affected

  • Primary actors: License holders with Class C retail licenses and club licenses (excluding plenary retail transit license holders).
  • Indirect actors: Patrons on licensed premises who would see the warning notices; the DOH, which would develop and oversee notice content.
  • Stakeholders in the update process: Medical and scientific experts, professional organizations, and advocacy groups consulted by the DOH.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Immediate effect: The act has an immediate effective date, with the first update due within six months of that date.
  • Ongoing updates: The DOH must reassess and revise the notice at least every five years, or more frequently if new evidence warrants.
  • Legislative path: Referred to Codes (and Assembly Health); companion bills exist (e.g., S 4442; S 4759; A 10371).

Context and Rationale

  • Rationale provided by sponsor: The current warning notice has not been updated in over a decade, while scientific understanding of alcohol-related health risks has advanced. Updating the notice ensures the public receives current information about prenatal risks and cancer associations.

Notes

  • The text includes a bracketed reference to “women” patrons, reflecting pregnancy-focused messaging; the broader aim targets all patrons with warnings about prenatal risk.
  • Cross-references: cf. P.L.2010, c.50, s.61 (section on notices and updates).

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

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