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Bill > S4268


NJ S4268

NJ S4268
Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers.


summary

Introduced
12/05/2019
In Committee
12/12/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/08/2020

Introduced Session

2018-2019 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits cable television (CATV), direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies from advertising prices for television service to a consumer in this State unless the advertised price is the total billable amount that the company will charge to a consumer for the provision of television service based on the minimum equipment necessary per television set to receive and operate the television service that is being advertised. A price advertised to a consumer is to include, but not be limited to, any broadcast programming fee, administrative and service fee, and television equipment fee per television set, including set-top box and remote rental fee, if applicable. The bill does not prohibit CATV, direct broadcast satellite, or television streaming service companies from including in advertised prices for television service to a consumer in this State any tax, fee, or other charge that, pursuant to federal or State law, the company is required to charge to a consumer and, pursuant to federal law, a company may itemize on a bill for television service. The bill provides that a violation of section 2 of the bill is to be an unlawful practice and violation of the New Jersey consumer fraud act. An unlawful act under the consumer fraud act is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for the first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense, in addition to other penalties.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits cable television (CATV), direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies from advertising prices for television service to consumers in New Jersey unless the advertised price includes all mandatory fees and charges, such as broadcast programming fees, administrative and service fees, and equipment rental fees. The bill does not prohibit these companies from including any taxes, fees, or other charges required by federal or state law in the advertised price. Violations of the bill's provisions would be considered unlawful practices under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, which carries monetary penalties of up to $10,000 for the first offense and $20,000 for subsequent offenses.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading (on 12/12/2019)

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