New Jersey Assembly Bill A4530

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/22/22
• Refer: 9/22/22

Caption

Prohibits sale of crayon and chalk products containing lead.

Impact

The enactment of A4530 will significantly affect current consumer practices surrounding children's products in New Jersey. Manufacturers and retailers will be obligated to routinely verify that their products do not contain lead, which will likely lead to increased compliance costs and product reformulations. It establishes legal repercussions for non-compliance, categorizing violations as unlawful practices under the state's consumer fraud act, thus subjecting offenders to financial penalties and legal actions from the Attorney General. The bill's strict language serves to hold manufacturers accountable while ensuring greater safety for young consumers.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4530 proposes strict regulations prohibiting the sales, distribution, or manufacture of crayon and chalk products that contain lead, intended for children under the age of six. The aim of this bill is to enhance child safety by mitigating exposure to harmful substances often found in inexpensive art supplies. The bill establishes clear definitions for chalk and crayon products and assigns responsibilities for enforcement to the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. Additionally, retailers are required to take prompt action upon the recall of such products, ensuring they are removed from display and rendered unavailable for purchase within specific timeframes.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions surrounding market practices and public health. Advocates for the bill argue that eliminating lead-based products is a necessary public health measure to protect children from potential poisoning and long-term health issues. On the other hand, there may be concerns from manufacturers regarding the financial implications of compliance, including the cost of reformulating products or potential loss of inventory if recalls are necessary. The threshold for legal penalties may also lead to fears about liability among retailers and manufacturers, especially concerning inadvertent violations.