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A 1823

Requires NJT to establish pilot program to supply certain light rail train sets with opioid antidotes; makes appropriation of $100,000.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and 1 co-sponsor

Establish a two-year pilot in southern New Jersey to stock light rail trains with FDA-approved opioid antidotes and use silent-alert triggers to alert operators during overdoses.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee
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Bill Summary · A 1823

Bill Summary: A 1823 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title: Requires NJT to establish pilot program to supply certain light rail train sets with opioid antidotes; makes appropriation
  • Status: Introduced January 13, 2026; referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee
  • Sponsor: Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson; Co-sponsors Anthony Verrelli and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Primary Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a two-year pilot program within New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) to equip light rail train sets operating in the southern part of New Jersey with opioid antidotes.
  • Aim is to improve response to opioid overdoses on public rail service and determine whether a statewide, permanent program should be adopted.

Key Provisions and Changes

Pilot Program Design (Two-Year Duration)

  • Location and Scope: The pilot applies to light rail train sets operating in the southern part of New Jersey.
  • Parties Involved: NJT in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services and in coordination with the Department of Health.
  • Antidote Supply and Storage:
    • NJT must obtain a supply of FDA-approved opioid antidotes (e.g., naloxone) deemed adequate and distribute to every light rail train set.
    • Create one or more secure, easily accessible storage locations on each train set that, when opened, triggers a silent alert to the train operator signaling a potential overdose.
    • Each storage location must contain at least two doses of the antidote.
    • Ensure antidotes are maintained and available at all times while the train is in operation.
    • Clearly mark storage locations with signs in English and Spanish, plus informational cards describing overdose recognition, antidote administration, and how to contact emergency services.
  • Operational Procedures:
    • Upon a silent alert, the train operator must contact emergency services at the nearest light rail station.
    • Authorized NJT employees, contractors, and any train-set staff must:
    • Perform routine checks on antidote locations.
    • Maintain records of antidote stock, location maintenance, and any emergency uses.
    • Conduct maintenance as needed.
  • Training and Administration:
    • The bill explicitly states that authorized personnel are not required to administer the antidote or receive specialized training to do so.

Reporting and Evaluation

  • Within six months after the expiration of the two-year pilot, NJT must prepare a written report on the pilot’s effectiveness and recommendations on whether to implement a permanent statewide program.
  • The report must be submitted to the Governor and, as required by law, to the Legislature.

Funding

  • A one-time appropriation of $100,000 from the General Fund to NJT to cover implementation costs.

Effective Date and Duration

  • Effective date: The act takes effect on the first day of the sixth month after enactment.
  • Expiration: The act expires upon submission of the required evaluation report (per Section 3).

Impact and Implications

Who is Affected

  • New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) and its light rail train crews operating in southern New Jersey.
  • Passengers on southern New Jersey light rail services.
  • Public health authorities (Department of Health, Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services).
  • General Fund taxpayers (via the $100,000 appropriation).

Practical Considerations

  • The program emphasizes preparedness (stocking antidotes, storage with silent alerts, bilingual signage) without requiring staff to administer the antidote.
  • Silent alert feature is a notable operational element likely to influence train crew workload and emergency response timing.
  • Data collection and record-keeping requirements will create an audit trail for effectiveness and usage.

Summary

A 1823 proposes a two-year pilot to equip southern New Jersey light rail train sets with FDA-approved opioid antidotes (e.g., naloxone), housed in secure, easily accessible locations that trigger a silent alert to operators during suspected overdoses. It requires routine maintenance, bilingual signage, and emergency response coordination, but does not mandate staff to administer the antidote. A final evaluative report within six months of the pilot’s end would guide potential statewide expansion. The bill includes a $100,000 General Fund appropriation and takes effect six months after enactment, expiring upon issuance of the evaluation report.

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

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