A 154 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Allows possession of bear spray under certain conditions.

New Jersey's Bill A154 allows individuals to possess bear spray for repelling aggressive bears in bear-prone areas without facing civil liability if used reasonably for self-defense. It amends existing laws to grant civil immunity when a person reasonably believes using bear spray is immediately necessary to protect themselves from a bear attack, excluding cases of willful, wanton, or grossly negligent misuse. The bill directly affects residents and visitors in outdoor settings where bear encounters may occur, such as hiking or camping areas. This policy change specifically modifies civil liability protections under New Jersey law, not criminal statutes or firearm regulations.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
lower
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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