The Architectural Paint Stewardship Act requires all producers of architectural paint sold in New Jersey to implement or participate in a statewide stewardship program designed to facilitate the environmentally responsible disposal of post-consumer paint. Producers must develop a comprehensive plan that minimizes public sector involvement and costs, ensuring convenient collection sites, educational outreach, and coordination with local governments. This plan must be submitted to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection for approval within one year of the act's enactment. Additionally, a paint stewardship assessment will be included in the sale price of architectural paint to fund the program, with costs not exceeding necessary expenses.

The bill also establishes compliance measures, prohibiting the sale of architectural paint by producers not engaged in an approved stewardship program. Violators may incur civil administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per year, and the Department of Environmental Protection is authorized to publicly list violators. Furthermore, the legislation provides antitrust liability protections for participating producers, with certain exceptions. The provisions of the bill will take effect immediately, with specific sections enforceable 18 months after enactment.