This bill aims to prohibit the use of paraquat dichloride, a toxic herbicide, in the State of New Jersey. It mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection adopt rules and regulations within two years of the bill's effective date to ban all consumer and commercial applications of paraquat dichloride. Additionally, the bill requires that owners and operators of facilities using this chemical implement measures to protect their workers from exposure. The bill acknowledges that any uses of paraquat dichloride that are preempted under the federal "Toxic Substances Control Act" will be exempt from these provisions.

The legislation highlights the dangers associated with paraquat dichloride, noting that ingestion can be fatal and that contact with skin or eyes can lead to serious injuries. The bill is a response to concerns raised by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the risks posed by this chemical not only to human health but also to the environment, including potential harm to wildlife and plants. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.