SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE, No. 1281

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 16, 2026

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee reports favorably a Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 1281.

      This bill would prohibit, beginning two years after the bill’s effective date, the sale, manufacture, and distribution of apparel containing intentionally added PFAS within the State.  As defined in the bill, “apparel” means (1) clothing items intended for regular wear or formal occasions, including, but not limited to, undergarments, shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, overalls, bodysuits, costumes, vests, dancewear, suits, saris, scarves, tops, leggings, school uniforms, leisurewear, athletic wear, sports uniforms, everyday swimwear, formal wear, onesies, bibs, diapers, footwear, and everyday uniforms or work-wear; (2) outdoor apparel; and (3) outdoor apparel designed for severe wet conditions.  Personal protective equipment, clothing items for exclusive use by the United States military, and equipment and protective apparel designed to be used for the safe operation of a motorcycle or off-highway vehicle would be exempt from the bill’s provisions.

      A violation of the bill’s provisions would be a violation of P.L.2025, c.202, (C.56:3-53 et al.), known as the “Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act.” A violator would be subject to a civil administrative penalty of between $1,000 and  $20,000 per violation, with each day the violation occurs being a separate and distinct offense.