New Jersey Assembly Bill A1845

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires all personal audio players distributed in New Jersey to contain warning about volume and hearing loss.

Impact

Should A1845 be enacted, it would introduce a new regulation affecting all personal audio player manufacturers in New Jersey. As a result, distributors would need to ensure that their products include the specified warning, which is expected to raise consumer awareness about the risks associated with high volume usage. The bill positions consumer safety at the forefront and aims to mitigate the risk of hearing damage among users of such devices, particularly younger audiences who may frequently use them.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1845 aims to require all manufacturers distributing personal audio players in New Jersey to affix warning labels about potential hearing damage related to high volume levels. The bill defines personal audio players as electronic devices that allow users to listen to audio while on the move. The warning label mandated by the bill is critical as it highlights that sound levels reaching 115 decibels may cause permanent hearing damage after just 15 minutes of exposure, a concern backed by guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Contention

There may be concerns regarding the practicality and enforceability of the bill's provisions, particularly how the labels will be monitored and the penalties enforced. The potential civil penalty of up to $5,000 for non-compliance could make some manufacturers wary, especially smaller companies that might struggle with the added regulatory burden. Moreover, industry stakeholders could argue about the effectiveness of labels in influencing consumer behavior, prompting discussions on whether other measures, such as tech solutions or educational campaigns, might also be necessary.