The Architectural Paint Stewardship Act requires producers of architectural paint in New Jersey to either implement or participate in a statewide paint stewardship program designed to facilitate the environmentally responsible disposal of post-consumer paint. Producers must develop and submit a comprehensive stewardship plan to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection within one year of the bill's enactment. This plan should ensure convenient collection of leftover paint, minimize public sector involvement, and include educational outreach to inform consumers about disposal options. Additionally, a paint stewardship assessment must be included in the sale price of architectural paint to fund the program.

The legislation prohibits the sale of architectural paint by producers, distributors, and retailers unless they are part of an approved stewardship program. It establishes penalties for non-compliance, including warnings and fines, and assigns the Department of Environmental Protection the responsibility of overseeing the program's implementation and compliance enforcement. The bill also includes protections against antitrust claims for participating producers, with certain exceptions, and mandates that the DEP maintain transparency by posting relevant information online. The provisions of the bill will take effect immediately, with some sections enforceable 18 months after enactment.