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NJ S4039

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/19/2026

Primary Sponsor

Joseph Vitale

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Prohibits business entities from selling, distributing, manufacturing, or offering for sale personal flotation devices (PFDs) not approved by the United States Coast Guard in New Jersey

  • Applies to wearable flotation devices including lifejackets, puddle jumpers, and water wings designed for children under 12 years of age for recreational swimming

  • Establishes civil penalties of up to $100 for first offense, $250 for second offense, and $500 for third or subsequent offenses, enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs

  • Takes effect on the first day of the sixth month following enactment

  • Addresses safety concerns citing statistics of approximately 371 children under 15 drowning annually in pools or spas (2018-2020 average) and about 6,400 non-fatal drowning incidents in 2022

Legislative Description

Prohibits business entities from selling or manufacturing certain personal flotation devices not approved by United States Coast Guard.

Commerce

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee

3/19/2026

Committee Referrals

Commerce3/19/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available