Bill > S3887

Introduced Session

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, any regional sports network fee, and television equipment fee per television set, including set-top box and remote rental fee, if applicable. A CATV company, direct broadcast satellite company, or television streaming service company is not required to include in its advertised price for CATV service to a consumer in this State any tax, fee, or other charge that, pursuant to federal or State law, the CATV company is required to charge to a consumer and, pursuant to federal law, may itemize on a bill; however, a CATV company, direct broadcast satellite company, or television streaming service company is to indicate with its advertised price to consumers that federal or State taxes, fees, or other charges may apply. A violation of the provisions of section 2 of the bill is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.). An unlawful practice is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured.

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Jim Beach (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 06/10/2021)

Official Document