New Jersey Assembly Bill A806

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires reflective material on children's Halloween costumes.

Impact

If enacted, A806 will impose new regulations on retailers selling children's Halloween costumes in New Jersey. Retailers will be prohibited from selling costumes without the mandated reflective materials. The bill includes penalties for violators, with civil fines set at a maximum of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. This enforcement mechanism aims to ensure compliance amongst businesses while prioritizing children's safety during Halloween festivities.

Summary

Assembly Bill A806, titled 'Requires reflective material on children's Halloween costumes', aims to enhance the safety of children during Halloween by mandating that all Halloween costumes marketed for use by children must contain reflective material. This material can be either attached directly to the costume or included in the packaging for consumers to attach after purchase. The legislation seeks to reduce the risk of accidents involving children while they are trick-or-treating during low visibility conditions, a common concern on Halloween nights due to the lack of light.

Contention

While the bill may be broadly supported for its focus on safety, possible points of contention include concerns from retailers about potential costs and compliance challenges associated with the new requirements. Some may argue that adding reflective materials could affect the design and pricing of costumes, while others may champion the legislation as a necessary step towards preventing Halloween accidents, which can lead to serious injuries. The bill's proponents draw on statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that highlight numerous Halloween-related injuries linked to insufficient visibility.