S 3632 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Increases and modifies certain fees and penalties regarding weighing, measuring, labeling, packaging, and inspection of certain commodities and commercial products.

This bill increases and modifies fees and penalties for businesses that measure, label, or package goods (such as grocery stores, farmers, and retailers) to reflect current economic conditions. It updates penalties that have not been raised in nearly 40 years, making noncompliance more costly, and grants the state’s Weights and Measures enforcement agency authority to adjust fees through rulemaking to cover inspection and enforcement costs. The goal is to ensure accurate measurements and truthful labeling, better protecting consumers and promoting fair competition among businesses.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 19, 2026 Last action Mar 16, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Reprint · 7 edits

MODERATE

The Senate Commerce Committee reported this bill with amendments that significantly increased both licensing fees and penalties under New Jersey's weights and measures laws. Fee caps for scales, fuel pump dispensers, and vehicle tank meters were raised fourfold (e.g., from $25 to $100 per scale), and maximum penalties for violations were increased substantially (e.g., from $100 to $1,000 for using untested weights, and from $200 to $2,000 for subsequent offenses). These changes aim to make enforcement costs self-sustaining and improve compliance by businesses.

FISCAL

Fee cap for scales measuring under 1,000 pounds increased from $25 per scale to $100 per scale.

Fee cap for fuel pump dispensers increased from $25 per hose (or $200 per commercial location) to $100 per hose (or $500 per commercial location), whichever is less.

Fee cap for retail vehicle tank meters increased from $50 per meter to $200 per meter.

ENFORCEMENT

Maximum penalty for buying or selling goods using untested or unsealed weights/measures (C.51:1-83) increased from $100 to $1,000 per offense.

Maximum civil penalty for using false weights or measures (C.51:1-96) increased from $500 to $1,000.

Maximum fine for violations of the 1938 Weights and Measures Act (C.51:1-131) increased from $500 to $1,000.

Maximum penalty for subsequent offenses under C.51:4-26 increased from $200 to $2,000.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 16, 2026

Committee

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

upper

Feb 19, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee

upper

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors