SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1808

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 1, 2026

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1808.

      As reported, this bill requires the New Jersey Transit Corporation (corporation), in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Services, to establish a two-year pilot program to provide an opioid antidote on every light rail train set that operates in the southern part of the State for the purpose of responding to an opioid overdose.

      Under the pilot program, the corporation is required to:  (1) obtain a supply of an opioid antidote and distribute the supply in quantities and types deemed adequate by the corporation, in consultation with the Department of Health, to every light rail train set; (2) maintain one or more secure and easily accessible opioid antidote storage locations on each light rail train set, which storage, when opened, is to silently alert the train operator of a potential opioid overdose; (3) stock each storage location with at least two doses of an opioid antidote; (4) ensure that the opioid antidote is appropriately maintained and made available while the light rail train set is in operation and used for light rail service; and (5) mark the location of each supply of the opioid antidote with a prominent sign, in both English and Spanish, and include an informational card on how to recognize an opioid overdose, administer the opioid antidote, and contact emergency assistance.  

      In addition, authorized employees, contractors, and any other staff members on a light rail train set are required to:  (1) perform routine checks on the opioid antidote locations; (2) maintain a record of the opioid antidote supply on each light rail train set, the maintenance of each location, and any emergency uses of the opioid antidote; and (3) conduct maintenance, as needed.  However, authorized employees, contractors, and any other staff members on a light rail train set are not required to receive specialized training on how to administer an opioid antidote or administer an opioid antidote in the event of an opioid overdose.

      This bill appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the corporation to defray any costs incurred by the corporation in implementing the provisions of the bill.  Within six months after the expiration of the pilot program, the corporation is required to submit a written report to the Governor and Legislature on the effectiveness of the pilot program and recommendations on whether to implement a permanent program Statewide.  The bill is to expire upon submission of the report.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.