Assembly Committee Passes Kennedy, Vainieri Huttle & Karabinchak Measure Removing Potentially Harmful BPA from Receipt Paper    

(TRENTON) – To protect the people in New Jersey from certain chemicals in paper receipts, Assembly Democrats James Kennedy (D-Middlesex, Somerset, Union), Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) and Robert Karabinchak (D-Middlesex) sponsor legislation approved by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on Monday to prohibit the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in receipts and other pieces of paper given as a business or banking record.

Bisphenol A is used in the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, and has been shown to have hormone disrupting effects that lead to developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune system health issues.  During the transactions of receipts, BPA is often transferred to the body of a person handling them, particularly when the receipt is wet.  The bill (A-2294) would reduce exposure to BPA and aim to help those in the State, especially store employees, avoid dangerous chemicals.  An individual who violates the provisions of the bill would be subject to a penalty of $250 and $500.

Upon committee approval of the measure, Assembly members Kennedy, Vainieri Huttle and Karabinchak issued the following joint statement:

“Connecticut and Illinois have already banned BPA in receipt paper.  It is New Jersey’s turn to keep our citizens safe from this dangerous chemical and help our cashiers avoid potential health effects.  This bill is a great step toward protecting people and ensuring that BPA can no longer be transferred into our bodies from receipts.”