WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 5519

Requires water breaks for certain sports events occurring on artificial turf fields.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 1 co-sponsor

NJ bill requires water breaks on artificial turf sports by outside temperature; at 100F+ events must be suspended or moved indoors; penalties apply.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
#sports
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5519

Summary of Assembly Bill A 5519

Overview

Bill A 5519 would require water breaks for sports events held on artificial turf fields in New Jersey. The measure applies to schools, colleges, municipalities, and other recreational organizations hosting competitions, practices, or instructional activities involving recreational, interscholastic, youth, or collegiate teams (excluding semi-professional and professional teams). The bill sets a temperature-based schedule for water breaks, provides for suspension of events at extreme heat, and establishes penalties for violations. The Commissioner of Health would promulgate implementing rules, and the act would take effect the first day of Spring after enactment, with possible anticipatory action by the department.

Purpose and Intent

  • Enhance participant safety by mandating hydration breaks during hot weather on artificial turf fields.
  • Create a standardized protocol for managing heat exposure during sports activities at a local level.

Key Provisions

Definitions

  • Artificial turf field: Field surface made of synthetic fibers or materials designed to resemble natural grass.
  • Sports event: Any competition, practice, or instructional activity involving recreational, interscholastic, youth, or collegiate teams (excludes semi-professional and professional events).
  • Water break: A scheduled pause to hydrate and rest.

Water Break Schedule (based on local outside temperature)

During activities on artificial turf fields:
- At 80°F: water breaks every 30 minutes
- At 85°F: water breaks every 20 minutes
- At 90°F: water breaks every 15 minutes
- At 95°F or higher: water breaks every 10 minutes

Suspension and Indoor Option

  • If the local outside temperature reaches 100°F or higher, the event must be suspended.
  • The event may be moved indoors to a climate-controlled environment.

Violations and Penalties

  • First offense: Written warning from a local health authority or department.
  • Second or subsequent offenses: Civil penalty of $100, enforceable by the Department of Health via summary proceedings under the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999.

Rulemaking

  • The Commissioner of Health would adopt rules and regulations to implement the act, under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Effective Date

  • Takes effect on the first day of Spring following enactment.
  • The Commissioner may take anticipatory administrative actions as needed for implementation.

Who Is Affected

  • Schools, colleges, municipalities, and recreational organizations hosting sports events on artificial turf fields in New Jersey.

Legislative and Procedural Details

  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • Current Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee. Note: Legislative action records in the provided materials also show a February 14, 2025 referral to Transportation, plus an April 10, 2025 introduction/committee referral to the Children, Families and Food Security Committee, indicating a possible clerical or routing inconsistency in the records.
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor Michael Durso; cosponsors David McDonough and Joe DeStefano.
  • Related Bills: A 8144 (prior-session)

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Implementation will require venues to monitor local outdoor temperatures and adhere to the specified break schedules.
  • Enforcement relies on local health authorities; penalties are modest ($100 for repeat offenses).
  • Some venues may face logistical challenges relocating events indoors during extreme heat.
  • The rulemaking process will clarify enforcement procedures, exemptions, and any necessary accommodations for special populations or weather variability.

Related Information

  • The bill is categorized under the Sports subject and is designed to supplement Title 5 of the Revised Statutes.
  • The act envisions regulatory oversight by the New Jersey Department of Health.

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

Sign in to ask a question.